159
9
Economics of Phytoremediation
with Biomass Production
Larry E. Erickson, Jan Černý, and Valentina Pidlisnyuk
Abstract
The economics associated with phytotechnologies includes environmental, social, and ecosystem costs and benefits associated with the project. There are local costs and benefits associated with the site as well as
global benefits because of carbon sequestration. Improvements in soil
quality have long-term benefits and increase the value of the land. Risk
reduction has health and safety benefits as well as improved value for
the land. For many contaminated sites, there are many benefits associated with phytoremediation with biomass production that have value for
society such as improved aesthetic values, better conditions for wildlife,
employment benefits because of the project, and better quality of life in
the community. While it would be great if the biomass produced would
fully cover project costs, this should not be expected. One of the most
important benefits associated with phytotechnologies is the addition of
soil organic matter and the associated improvements in the health of the
biological populations that are beneficial to plant productivity. The economics of phytoremediation with biomass production using Miscanthus
is included in this chapter.
CONTENTS
9.1 Introduction to Phytoremediation with Biomass Production ............. 160
9.2 Sustainable Approach ............................................................................... 160
9.3 Benefits of Remediation ............................................................................ 161
9.4 Motivation for Action ................................................................................ 163
9.5 Economics of Phytoremediation .............................................................. 163
9.6 Economics of Biomass Production .......................................................... 164
9.7 Bioeconomy of Miscanthus in Europe .................................................... 165
9.8 Conclusions ................................................................................................. 172
References ............................................................................................................. 172
9
Economics of Phytoremediation
with Biomass Production
Larry E. Erickson, Jan Černý, and Valentina Pidlisnyuk
Abstract
The economics associated with phytotechnologies includes environmental, social, and ecosystem costs and benefits associated with the project. There are local costs and benefits associated with the site as well as
global benefits because of carbon sequestration. Improvements in soil
quality have long-term benefits and increase the value of the land. Risk
reduction has health and safety benefits as well as improved value for
the land. For many contaminated sites, there are many benefits associated with phytoremediation with biomass production that have value for
society such as improved aesthetic values, better conditions for wildlife,
employment benefits because of the project, and better quality of life in
the community. While it would be great if the biomass produced would
fully cover project costs, this should not be expected. One of the most
important benefits associated with phytotechnologies is the addition of
soil organic matter and the associated improvements in the health of the
biological populations that are beneficial to plant productivity. The economics of phytoremediation with biomass production using Miscanthus
is included in this chapter.
CONTENTS
9.1 Introduction to Phytoremediation with Biomass Production ............. 160
9.2 Sustainable Approach ............................................................................... 160
9.3 Benefits of Remediation ............................................................................ 161
9.4 Motivation for Action ................................................................................ 163
9.5 Economics of Phytoremediation .............................................................. 163
9.6 Economics of Biomass Production .......................................................... 164
9.7 Bioeconomy of Miscanthus in Europe .................................................... 165
9.8 Conclusions ................................................................................................. 172
References ............................................................................................................. 172