Assessing the environmental impact of five Pd-based catalytic technologies in removing of nitrates

► We evaluate five palladium-based technologies in nitrate removal. ► We conduct a life cycle assessment using laboratory inventory. ► Analytical hierarchy process is applied to determine the weights of various burdens. ► The consumption of palladium and electricity are major environmental burdens. ► Pd and Cu laded on TiO2 is considered as the most environmentally friendly method.