ABSTRACT
The economics associated with phytotechnologies includes environmental, social, and ecosystem costs and benefits associated with the project. There are local costs and benefits associated with the site as well as global benefits because of carbon sequestration. Improvements in soil quality have long-term benefits and increase the value of the land. Risk reduction has health and safety benefits as well as improved value for the land. For many contaminated sites, there are many benefits associated with phytoremediation with biomass production that have value for society such as improved aesthetic values, better conditions for wildlife, employment benefits because of the project, and better quality of life in the community. While it would be great if the biomass produced would fully cover project costs, this should not be expected. One of the most important benefits associated with phytotechnologies is the addition of soil organic matter and the associated improvements in the health of the biological populations that are beneficial to plant productivity. The economics of phytoremediation with biomass production using Miscanthus is included in this chapter.
