Water - re-use

Title

Environmental benefits of reclaimed water: an economic assessment in the context of the Water Framework Directive

Reference

Water Policy Vol 14 No 1 pp 148–159
doi:10.2166/wp.2011.001
EU funded

Author(s)

Francisco Alcon, J. Martin-Ortega, J. Berbel and M. D. de Miguel

Study type

Peer Review Journal    

Abstract

The European Water Framework Directive (WFD) prescribes that all water bodies in Europe should achieve ‘good ecological status’ (GES). Maintaining a certain water flow is a pre-condition for the achievement of GES in areas of water scarcity. In such areas, reclaimed waste water is seen as a promising measure to keep river flow at a sufficient level. The contingent valuation method is applied here to estimate the non-market environmental benefits of using reclaimed water to maintain river flow levels in the Segura River Basin in south-eastern Spain. The assessment of the economic benefits of specific measures gives policy makers more information than a cost-effectiveness analysis alone, which is currently the most commonly used tool to assess potential measures under the WFD. The results show that the implementation of this measure produces significant non-market benefits that are larger than the investment and operational costs of reclaimed water treatment plants.

Policy theme(s)

Environmental economics >> Economic impacts of environmental change
Water >> River basin management (WFD)
Water >> Water consumption >> Water reuse

Keywords

Contingent valuation; Good ecological status; Reclaimed water; River flow; Segura River Basin; Willingness to pay

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

View this study at:

http://www.iwaponline.com/wp/01401/wp014010148.htm
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Contact the study author at:

francisco.alcon@upct.es

Title

Quantifying the effect of Managed Aquifer Recharge on the microbiological human health risks of irrigating crops with recycled water

Reference

Agricultural Water Management
Volume 99, Issue 1, November 2011, Pages 93–102

Author(s)

Neus Ayuso-Gabella, Declan Page, Costantino Masciopinto, , Avi Aharoni, Miquel Salgot, Thomas Wintgens,

Study type

Peer Review Journal    

Abstract

Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) is increasingly being used for water recycling via aquifers and recovery for irrigation. Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA) was used to assess the human health risks from irrigation using reclaimed water and to evaluate the reduction in risk where MAR is used for irrigation management. Four MAR sites (Shafdan, Israel; Nardò, Italy; Bolivar, Australia; and Sabadell, Spain) that use reclaimed water for crop and/or park irrigation were evaluated, and the risk to human health was quantified in terms of DALYs (Disability Adjusted Life Years). The results indicated that median risks for all scenarios and pathogens evaluated were acceptable (<10−6 DALYs) with the exception of risks from accidental aerosol ingestion and bacterial pathogens at the Nardò site. MAR was found to be one of the most important treatment barriers in terms of log10 inactivation credits and hence a useful tool for recycled water irrigation management. The Shafdan site relied almost completely on the MAR treatment to reduce the human health risks from irrigation to acceptable levels. For the Nardò site MAR was also an important barrier, where if MAR had not been used as part of the irrigation system the risk would be unacceptable for protozoa and viruses. The Bolivar and Sabadell sites had much larger and more technologically complex recycled water treatment systems and as such MAR was not a critical barrier in managing human health risks.

Policy theme(s)

Agriculture >> Agricultural management >> Crop management
Environment and health >> Health risks >> Water safety
Water >> Water quality >> Water pollution and safety
Water >> Water consumption >> Water reuse

Keywords

Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR); Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA); Reclaimed water; Irrigation; Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs)

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

View this study at:

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378377411001715
There is a fee to view this study in full    

Contact the study author at:

mnayuso@ub.edu

Title

The implications of household greywater treatment and reuse for municipal wastewater flows and micropollutant loads

Reference

Water Research
Volume 45, Issue 4, February 2011, Pages 1549-1560

Author(s)

D. Michael Revitt, Eva Eriksson and Erica Donner

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

An increasing worldwide interest in water recycling technologies such as grey water treatment and reuse suggests that additional research to elucidate the fate of xenobioticsduring such practices would be beneficial. In this paper, scenario analyses supported by empirical data are used for highlighting the potential fate of a selection of xenobiotic micropollutants in decentralised greywater treatment systems, and for investigation of the possible implications of greywater recycling for the wider urban water cycle. Potential potable water savings of up to 43% are predicted for greywater recycling based on Danishwater use statistics and priority substance monitoring at a greywater treatment plant in Denmark. Adsorption represents an important mechanism for the removal of cadmium,nickel, lead and nonylphenol from influent greywater and therefore the disposal route
adopted for the generated sludge can exert a major impact on the overall efficiency and environmental sustainability of greywater treatment.

Policy theme(s)

Environmental technologies >> Pollution control >> Water treatment
Resource efficiency >> Water efficiency
Water >> Water quality >> Wastewater treatment
Water >> Water consumption >> Water reuse

Keywords

Greywater treatment, Wastewater influent, Recycling, Priority substances, Scenario analyses, Sludge disposal

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

Referred to in EC doc:

N/A

View this study at:

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0043135410008055
There is a fee to view this study in full

Contact the study author at:

m.revitt@mdx.ac.uk