Constructed Wetland Treatment of Nitrates: Removal Effectiveness and Cost Efficiency |
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Authors: | Alan R Collins Neil Gillies |
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Institution: | 1. Agricultural and Resource Economics Program, West Virginia University, , Morgantown, West Virginia, 26506;2. Cacapon Institute, , High View, West Virginia, 26808 |
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Abstract: | A constructed wetland (CW) was strategically placed to treat nitrates in groundwater as part of a watershed‐based farmer engagement process. Using stream water quality data collected before and after installation, this CW was found to reduce stream concentrations of nitrogen from nitrate (NO3‐N) during the growing season by about 0.14 mg/l at mean streamflow, a 17% reduction. Based upon realistic ecological and economic assumptions, about 80 kg of NO3‐N were removed annually by the CW at a cost of around US$30/kg. This per unit cost is at the low range of small wastewater treatment plant costs for nitrates, but higher than the costs of reduced fertilizer application. |
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Keywords: | best management practices [BMPs] water quality economics groundwater remediation econometrics watersheds |
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