{"title":"Cost-benefit analysis of large-scale recycling of treated wastewater for indirect groundwater recharge in a semi-arid region","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.gsd.2024.101284","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The large-scale recycling of treated wastewater plays a pivotal role in promoting groundwater sustainability, addressing water scarcity, and ensuring efficient resource utilization to achieve sustainable development goals. This study aimed to conduct a cost-benefit analysis of an innovative large-scale treated wastewater recycling project for indirect groundwater recharge in the Kolar district of Karnataka, India. Data regarding project and cultivation costs were obtained from multiple government organizations. Analysis was based on nine years of agricultural production data (2014–2022). A linear extrapolation was conducted on total production data, using 2018 as a reference point for a business-<em>as</em>-usual case, to quantify the benefits resulting from the project. The study's findings indicated a significant expansion in cultivated land and improved productivity due to the water security, leading to an increase in revenues. There was a significant 3-time increase in raw cocoon production and related revenues. Year-round filled tanks resulted in >24-times increase in fish production and revenues. The cost-benefit analysis confirmed that the project's benefits exceeded the costs, with a net present value of US$ 159.97 million at 8 % interest rates on fixed capital cost and a benefit-cost ratio (BCR) was 4.34. The BCR in the context of the cost of crop cultivation, raw cocoon, and fish production was 3.14. This indicates substantial economic benefits due to the water recycling project. Furthermore, the recycling project has potential to improve employment opportunities, boost local economy and promote sustainability. Results provide evidence for policymakers to design an integrated framework that includes treated wastewater reuse for groundwater recharge and achieve multiple Sustainable Development goal (SDG), mainly SDG - 2 (Zero hunger), 3 (Good health and well-being) and 6 (water and sanitation for all). This approach encourages circular economies, enhances agro-economic systems, and ensures a sustainable balance between development, agriculture, and resource responsibility in developing countries.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":37879,"journal":{"name":"Groundwater for Sustainable Development","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.9000,"publicationDate":"2024-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Groundwater for Sustainable Development","FirstCategoryId":"1085","ListUrlMain":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352801X24002078","RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":null,"ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q2","JCRName":"ENGINEERING, ENVIRONMENTAL","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
The large-scale recycling of treated wastewater plays a pivotal role in promoting groundwater sustainability, addressing water scarcity, and ensuring efficient resource utilization to achieve sustainable development goals. This study aimed to conduct a cost-benefit analysis of an innovative large-scale treated wastewater recycling project for indirect groundwater recharge in the Kolar district of Karnataka, India. Data regarding project and cultivation costs were obtained from multiple government organizations. Analysis was based on nine years of agricultural production data (2014–2022). A linear extrapolation was conducted on total production data, using 2018 as a reference point for a business-as-usual case, to quantify the benefits resulting from the project. The study's findings indicated a significant expansion in cultivated land and improved productivity due to the water security, leading to an increase in revenues. There was a significant 3-time increase in raw cocoon production and related revenues. Year-round filled tanks resulted in >24-times increase in fish production and revenues. The cost-benefit analysis confirmed that the project's benefits exceeded the costs, with a net present value of US$ 159.97 million at 8 % interest rates on fixed capital cost and a benefit-cost ratio (BCR) was 4.34. The BCR in the context of the cost of crop cultivation, raw cocoon, and fish production was 3.14. This indicates substantial economic benefits due to the water recycling project. Furthermore, the recycling project has potential to improve employment opportunities, boost local economy and promote sustainability. Results provide evidence for policymakers to design an integrated framework that includes treated wastewater reuse for groundwater recharge and achieve multiple Sustainable Development goal (SDG), mainly SDG - 2 (Zero hunger), 3 (Good health and well-being) and 6 (water and sanitation for all). This approach encourages circular economies, enhances agro-economic systems, and ensures a sustainable balance between development, agriculture, and resource responsibility in developing countries.
期刊介绍:
Groundwater for Sustainable Development is directed to different stakeholders and professionals, including government and non-governmental organizations, international funding agencies, universities, public water institutions, public health and other public/private sector professionals, and other relevant institutions. It is aimed at professionals, academics and students in the fields of disciplines such as: groundwater and its connection to surface hydrology and environment, soil sciences, engineering, ecology, microbiology, atmospheric sciences, analytical chemistry, hydro-engineering, water technology, environmental ethics, economics, public health, policy, as well as social sciences, legal disciplines, or any other area connected with water issues. The objectives of this journal are to facilitate: • The improvement of effective and sustainable management of water resources across the globe. • The improvement of human access to groundwater resources in adequate quantity and good quality. • The meeting of the increasing demand for drinking and irrigation water needed for food security to contribute to a social and economically sound human development. • The creation of a global inter- and multidisciplinary platform and forum to improve our understanding of groundwater resources and to advocate their effective and sustainable management and protection against contamination. • Interdisciplinary information exchange and to stimulate scientific research in the fields of groundwater related sciences and social and health sciences required to achieve the United Nations Millennium Development Goals for sustainable development.