Abatement vs. treatment for efficient diffuse source water pollution management in terrestrial-marine systems

Area of Science:

• Environmental Economics
• Marine Ecology
• Water Resource Management

Background:

• Marine ecosystems face threats from coastal water pollution.
• Pollutant delivery can be mitigated via abatement and treatment strategies.
• Sustainable coastal development necessitates balancing economic costs and marine resource benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an optimal control approach for managing diffuse source water pollution in terrestrial-marine systems.
• To explore welfare-maximizing rates of water pollution abatement and treatment.
• To identify efficient strategies for diffuse source dissolved inorganic nitrogen pollution management.

Main Methods:

• An optimal control model was developed and applied.
• Cost functions for agricultural water pollution abatement and wetland water pollution treatment were determined.
• Marine benefit functions were established for the Tully-Murray region, Australia.

Main Results:

• Welfare gains are primarily achieved through diffuse source water pollution abatement (improved agricultural practices).
• Diffuse source water pollution treatment (wetland restoration) offers minor welfare gains.
• Partial treatment costs and positive water quality benefits were considered.

Conclusions:

• Balancing marginal abatement/treatment costs with marine benefits is crucial for sustainable coastal economies.
• Prioritizing agricultural management practices is key for maximizing welfare gains from diffuse pollution control.
• Integrated terrestrial-marine management strategies are essential for mitigating water pollution impacts.