Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Surface Flow Constructed Wetlands (SFCW) for Nutrient Reduction in Drainage Discharge from Agricultural Fields in Denmark

Abstract

Constructed wetlands have been proposed as cost-effective and more targeted technologies in the reduction of nitrogen and phosphorous water pollution in drainage losses from agricultural fields in Denmark. Using two pig farms and one dairy farm situated in a pumped lowland catchment as case studies, this paper explores the feasibility of implementing surface flow constructed wetlands (SFCW) based on their cost effectiveness. Sensitivity analysis is conducted by varying the cost elements of the wetlands in order to establish the most cost-effective scenario and a comparison with the existing nutrients reduction measures carried out. The analyses show that the cost effectiveness of the SFCW is higher in the drainage catchments with higher nutrient loads. The range of the cost effectiveness ratio on nitrogen reduction differs distinctively with that of catch crop measure. The study concludes that SFCW could be a better optimal nutrients reduction measure in drainage catchments characterized with higher nutrient loads.

Long-Term Monitoring of a Surface Flow Constructed Wetland Treating Agricultural Drainage Water in Northern Italy

“…CWs have been successfully used for treatment of many different types of wastewater [3,12,13], including agricultural drainage water. In general, CWs are more cost-effective for reducing non-point source pollution than other measures [14].…”

Edge-of-Field Technologies for Phosphorus Retention from Agricultural Drainage Discharge

“…The costs of SFCWs are related to land acquisition, construction, energy consumption (e.g., pumping in flat lands) and maintenance. Gachango et al [114] reported that these systems were able to retain P at relatively low cost (€55-1148 kg −1 P) in comparison to other measures. Moreover, the cost-efficiency improved when the SFCWs received higher P loads.…”

Wetlands for Wastewater Treatment

“…Besides the benefit of CW in wastewater treatment, CWs could sustain wildlife habitats and biodiversity at local and global scales, as well as its potential usage in recreational and educational opportunities (Semeraro et al, 2015). On the cost aspect, it was shown that the cost effectiveness of the SFCW was higher in the drainage catchments with higher nutrient loads (Gachango et al, 2015). Natural wetlands degradation has been a serious global issue (Chen and Liu, 2015).…”