Techno-Economic Analysis of Phosphorus Removal Structures

Abstract

Excess phosphorus (P) is a major pollutant in aquatic systems. Phosphorus removal structures, landscape-scale filters designed to capture dissolved P from runoff, drainage, and wastewater offer promise in curbing P pollution. While the environmental benefits of various P removal structures are well documented, the cost-effectiveness of each structure's ability to sequester P is lacking. In this study, we compare the costeffectiveness of P removal of the most prominent P removal structures. Specifically, we calculate the average cost per kilogram (kg) of P removed by eight different P removal structures across a range of parameter assumptions. Absent constraints, we found that (1) larger structures that use (2) regionally available phosphorus sorption materials that are (3) byproducts of industrial production (e.g., metal shavings and steel slag) rather than manufactured are more cost-effective. The average cost of P removal for most structures varies from $100 to 1300 per kg in our baseline estimations, which is comparable to the average cost for wastewater treatment. This work provides further information to guide the optimal implementation of P removal structures for conservationists.

Arsenic Contamination in Indian Groundwater: From Origin to Mitigation Approaches for a Sustainable Future

“…Implementing these filtration systems has resulted in a significant reduction of arsenic concentrations in water, with levels lowered by as much as 90%. The main issues with ARPs are dealing with sludge and keeping the unit from getting clogged up from sand spilling [20,181,182]. Kumar et al conducted an investigation on the performance of ARPs that were installed in Uttar Pradesh.…”