Using Natural Coastal Wetlands Systems for Wastewater Treatment: An Economic Benefit Analysis

Wetland systems can be substitutes for traditional wastewater treatment. Additional benefits include the enhancement in wetlands quality stemming from nutrients in the treated wastewaters. This paper reports on estimates of cost savings from using coastal wetlands for substitute treatment in Louisiana, U.S.A. Estimates of discounted cost savings ranged from $785 to $34 700 per acre of wetlands used for treatment.