Cost-benefit of green infrastructures for water management: A sustainability assessment of full-scale constructed wetlands in Northern and Southern Italy

García-Herrero, Laura; Lavrnić, Stevo; Guerrieri, Valentina; Toscano, Attilio; Milani, Mirco; Cirelli, Giuseppe Luigi; Vittuari, Matteo

doi:10.1016/j.ecoleng.2022.106797

Cited by 18 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 33 publications

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“…Advanced methodologies for secondary and/or tertiary WW treatment, based on the use of nature-based solutions and/or on the integration of multiple reclamation technologies, have been developed and applied on a real scale [48,49]. In order for these technologies to be fully employed, it is highly required that we establish concrete policies and practices to encourage safe water reuse, taking advantage of its potential benefits for the agriculture sector [13,50,51]. In this study, despite limited exceptions for some parameters in specific periods characterized by the intermittent number of agritourism visits due to the COVID-19 pandemic emergency, the high removal efficiency of the TW system highlights the potential of adopting nature-based solutions as RW technology [52][53][54].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Environmental and Agro-Economic Sustainability of Olive Orchards Irrigated with Reclaimed Water under Deficit Irrigation

Vanella,

Consoli,

Continella

et al. 2023

Sustainability

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Increasing the economic and environmental sustainability of irrigated agriculture is a vital challenge for the Mediterranean crop production sector. This study explores the effects of the adoption of reclaimed water (RW) as source of irrigation in conjunction with the application of deficit irrigation strategies in an olive orchard (different genotypes) located within the “Valle dei Margi” farmhouse (Eastern Sicily). Specifically, the RW was obtained in situ by treating the wastewater coming from the farmhouse throughout a nature-based treatment wetland system (TW). The effects of RW on crop water status (CWS) was assessed by conducting plant-based measurements (i.e., leaf water potential, Ψ; and leaves’ relative water content, RWC) and determining satellite-based biophysical indicators. An economic and environmental evaluation of the proposed sustainable irrigation practices was carried out using the life cycle assessment (LCA) approach. The RW quality showed high variability due to fluctuations in the number of customers at the farmhouse during the COVID-19 pandemic period. A strong impact on the variation in Ψ was observed among the olive orchard under the different water regimes, evidencing how CWS performances are conditioned by the genotype. However, no differences in leaves’ RWC and in satellite-based biophysical indicators were detected. Finally, the results of the LCA analysis underlined how the use of RW may permit us to obtain important economic and environmental gains, representing an added value for olive growing for operating in accordance to more sustainable development models.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Environmental and Agro-Economic Sustainability of Olive Orchards Irrigated with Reclaimed Water under Deficit Irrigation

Vanella,

Consoli,

Continella

et al. 2023

Sustainability

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“…Moreover, attention given to NBS varies significantly depending on the targeted context, so, for example, NBS research in the case of river landscapes so far received comparatively less scientific attention than NBS within urban areas [45]. Among the several barriers to NBS operationalization identified within the existing literature [27,46], the need for more research efforts in terms of costs and benefits assessment to inform decision making and support investment scaling has been highlighted as one of the most relevant [43,47], including within the Mediterranean context [48,49].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Riparian Forests as Nature-Based Solutions within the Mediterranean Context: A Biophysical and Economic Assessment for the Koiliaris River Watershed (Crete, Greece)

Masiero,

Bottaro,

Righetti

et al. 2024

Forests

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The Mediterranean Basin is severely impacted by anthropogenic changes affecting both natural ecosystems and human livelihoods. The region is highly vulnerable to natural hazards, with floods being considered the most important, due both to their frequency and impacts. Koiliaris watershed (northwest of Crete Island, Greece) represents a relevant case study as past land-use changes via deforestation and intense cultivation practices induce soil organic matter losses, making soils susceptible to water erosion and desertification. The restoration of native riparian forests has been identified as the most effective nature-based solution (NBS) for the area. Through modeling, our study assessed the effectiveness of this NBS in addressing flood risk and erosion while providing additional ecosystem services (carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation). A cost–benefit analysis has been then implemented to also investigate the sustainability of the investment from an economic point of view. Our results show the NBS would be successful in ensuring a better flow of targeted ecosystem services compared to the business-as-usual conditions. The associated investment would result in economic sustainability and associated costs would be paid back in five years. Though site-specific, our study provides lessons learned for dealing with future land-restoration challenges in the Mediterranean to cope with climate change-related challenges.

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“…They have the function of treating wastewater effectively as secondary and tertiary treatment through chemical, biological, and physical processes [2,3], and are an alternative to conventional treatment plants with activated sludge; the most common method currently used for wastewater treatment [4]. In addition, they can be used as tourist attractions [5]. Currently, there are horizontal, vertical, surface, and subsurface flow CWs, or a combination of these types [6].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Technological Innovations in the Application of Constructed Wetlands: A Review

Fernández Ramírez,

Zamora-Castro,

Sandoval-Herazo

et al. 2023

Processes

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Constructed wetlands (CWs) are highly effective in wastewater treatment and have generated lines of research with a focus on technological development and implemented innovations. This work concentrates on the most recent technical and scientific advances that have obtained optimal results in the construction of CWs using sustainable materials and the use of ornamental plants and other aquatic plants. Efficiency is also documented through models and simulation with neural networks, the use of the random forest method, and the use of software such as MODFLOW, MODPATH, and COMSOL Multiphysics. The information shown is structured by geographical area and addresses regions of Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, South America, and Oceania. It is important to consider that the optimization and innovation of CW for pollutant removal may benefit developing countries that do not have sufficient infrastructure to meet the demand for municipal and industrial wastewater.

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Cost-benefit of green infrastructures for water management: A sustainability assessment of full-scale constructed wetlands in Northern and Southern Italy

Cited by 18 publications

References 33 publications

Environmental and Agro-Economic Sustainability of Olive Orchards Irrigated with Reclaimed Water under Deficit Irrigation

Environmental and Agro-Economic Sustainability of Olive Orchards Irrigated with Reclaimed Water under Deficit Irrigation

Riparian Forests as Nature-Based Solutions within the Mediterranean Context: A Biophysical and Economic Assessment for the Koiliaris River Watershed (Crete, Greece)

Technological Innovations in the Application of Constructed Wetlands: A Review

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