Cost-effective reduction of eutrophication in the Gulf of Kalloni (Island of Lesvos, Greece)

Abstract

This study presents a cost-effective analysis by comparing the costs of measures (options) to improve the quality of bathing waters in the Gulf of Kalloni (island of Lesvos, Greece) in order to reduce the anthropogenic eutrophication in the coastal water of the Kalloni Gulf. The Gulf of Kalloni is a semi-enclosed gulf (115 km2) which receives municipal wastewater, agricultural activity drainage, and periodic waste from olive oil plants processing the local olive harvest. The area of study consists of the coastal waters of the river basin from which water run-off drains into the gulf. Four options are comparable in their environmental effectiveness to reduce eurtophication damage. These are: a municipal wastewater treatment plant, construction of dams, organic farming plus training and an olive oil wastewater treatment plant.