An economic analysis of leachate purification through willow-coppice vegetation filters

Bioresour Technol. 2004 Sep;94(3):321-9. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2003.12.017.

Abstract

In this study an economic analysis of the purification of integrated solid waste treatment facility leachates through a willow-coppice (Salix) vegetation filter in southern Sweden was carried out. Calculations were based on the use of two computer models that were initially used in estimating a pump-and-pipe irrigation system for a 36-ha willow-coppice plantation to purify an average annual quantity of 195,000 m(3) of leachate with an average nitrogen content of 24 g/m(3). Results showed that facility leachates could be purified at US dollars 0.34/m(3) compared with US dollars 0.62/m(3) for that of conventional leachate treatment at a wastewater treatment plant. Furthermore, results revealed that the increased income from willow growing and sale of the biomass chips represented only a small factor in the overall cost of the purification technique--decreasing purification costs to US dollars 0.326/m(3). Sensitivity analyses also demonstrated that, because of the large leachate holding pond expense, only a fraction of facility leachate should be treated through a vegetation filter.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Forestry
  • Models, Economic*
  • Refuse Disposal*
  • Salix / metabolism*
  • Sweden
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / metabolism*
  • Water Purification / economics*
  • Water Purification / methods*

Substances

  • Water Pollutants, Chemical