Economic Implications and Scope of Wastewater Management Through Life Cycle Cost Assessment

Abstract

Global demand for freshwater is rising due to anthropic factors, exacerbating water scarcity and pollution. The economic dimensions of sustainable wastewater management offer both environmental benefits and economic promise, with studies consistently highlighting cost-effectiveness and long-term financial gains. Treated wastewater, a dependable and economically viable alternative, aligns with sustainable development goals and contributes to improving public health. An in-depth economic analysis explores the profitability and cost savings of nature-based solutions, emphasizing the importance of investing in these strategies for water sustainability within the circular economy. The study incorporates the review of a life cycle cost assessment, providing nuanced insights into the economic implications of adopting nature-based solutions in wastewater management. The findings contribute substantively to the discourse surrounding water sustainability, informing policy decisions and promoting transformative change aligned with environmental sustainability, and circular economy principles.