Premium
Multiattribute analysis of the impact on society of phosphorus abatement measures
Author(s) -
Seip Knut L.,
Ibrekk Harald,
Wenstøp Fred
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
water resources research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.863
H-Index - 217
eISSN - 1944-7973
pISSN - 0043-1397
DOI - 10.1029/wr023i005p00755
Subject(s) - status quo , phosphorus , sewage , agriculture , water quality , environmental science , water resource management , environmental engineering , sewage treatment , geography , chemistry , ecology , political science , organic chemistry , archaeology , biology , law
We have constructed a decision goal hierarchy evaluating the impact and cost to society of phosphorus abatement measures to improve lake water quality. We examine three primary measures: sewage treatment, ban of detergents containing phosphorus, and changes in agricultural practice, and combinations of these measures. The water system studied is lakes in Norway represented by eight typical water bodies. The results showed that the highest utility was obtained by “status quo” (0.90 ± 0.02) and implementing measures in agriculture (0.90 ± 0.02). The combined measures including sewage treatment and ban on phosphorus containing detergents scored lowest (0.73 ± 0.08).