Ecological network analysis of industrial wastes metabolism based on input-output model for Jiangsu, China

The enormous discharge of industrial waste seriously hinders the sustainable development of cities. However, most studies only involve a single or limited category of industrial pollutants, ignoring the environmental pressure caused by multiple resources and environmental factors. This paper combines input-output analysis and ecological network analysis to construct an industrial waste metabolic input-output (IWMIO) model, which explores the industrial waste discharge and discharge relationships among different sectors in Jiangsu Province from the three aspects of industrial wastewater, industrial waste gas, and industrial solid waste. The results show that the indirect discharge of industrial waste is greater than the direct discharge in the industrial waste metabolism system. TI (Tertiary industry), CI (Chemical industry), SPM (Smelting and pressing of metals), and PSEH (Production and supply of electricity and heat) dominate the industrial waste metabolism system. In addition, MWC (Mining and washing of coal), MNMP (Manufacture of non-metallic mineral products), SPM (Smelting and pressing of metals) have more mutualism and competition relationships with other sectors, so the control of industrial waste discharge in these sectors contributes to achieving emission reduction targets. Based on the research results, this paper proposes corresponding policy recommendations such as considering both direct and indirect emissions of sectors when formulating waste reduction policies and developing pertinent industrial waste reduction programs based on the characteristics of the identified sectors. The results of this paper are helpful to identify the dependence and influence relationships of various sectors in the industrial waste metabolism system, promote industrial waste discharge control, and provide theoretical support for the adjustment of industrial structure and the formulation of related policies in Jiangsu Province.