Coupling a hydrological water quality model and an economic optimization model to set up a cost-effective emission reduction scenario for nitrogen

  • Authors:

  • Jan Cools;Steven Broekx;Veronique Vandenberghe;Hannes Sels;Erika Meynaerts;Peter Vercaemst;Piet Seuntjens;Stijn Van Hulle;Hilde Wustenberghs;Willy Bauwens;Marc Huygens

  • Affiliations:

  • SORESMA, Poortakkerstraat 41, B-9051 Ghent, Belgium;Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, B-2400 Mol, Belgium;SORESMA, Poortakkerstraat 41, B-9051 Ghent, Belgium;Research Group EnBiChem, Department of Industrial Engineering and Technology, University College West Flanders, Ghent University Association, Graaf Karel de Goede laan 5, B-8500 Kortrijk, Belgium;Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, B-2400 Mol, Belgium;Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, B-2400 Mol, Belgium;Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, B-2400 Mol, Belgium and Ghent University, Department of Soil Management, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium and University o ...;Research Group EnBiChem, Department of Industrial Engineering and Technology, University College West Flanders, Ghent University Association, Graaf Karel de Goede laan 5, B-8500 Kortrijk, Belgium;Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Social Sciences Unit, Van Gansberghelaan 115 - box 2, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium;Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Department of Hydrology, Faculty of Engineering Sciences, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium;SORESMA, Poortakkerstraat 41, B-9051 Ghent, Belgium

  • Venue:
  • Environmental Modelling & Software
  • Year:
  • 2011

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Abstract

A modelling approach is presented that determines the most cost-effective set of reduction measures to reach an in-stream concentration target. The framework is based on the coupling of two models: the hydrological water quality model SWAT and an economic optimization model (Environmental Costing Model, ECM). SWAT is used to determine the relationship between the modelled in-stream concentration at the river basin outlet and the associated emission reduction. The ECM is used to set up marginal abatement cost curves for nutrients and oxygen demanding substances. Results for nitrogen are presented for the Grote Nete river basin in Belgium for the year 2006. Results show that the good status for total nitrogen can be reached in the study area. The most cost-effective measures are more productive dairy cattle, implementing basic measures as defined in the WFD, winter cover crops, improved efficiency of WWTP, enhanced fodder efficiency for pigs, further treatment of industrial waste water and tuned fertilization.