Ecological Engineers

Question 1

Cheong et al, 2013

Answer 1

• No or low regret
• Versatility for climate
• ICZM (promotes, difficulties)

Question 2

List et al, 2006

Answer 2

• Define coastal erosion

Question 3

Temmerman et al, 2013

Answer 3

• Eco takes up space

- 40 million in flood prone cities

Question 4

Tessler et al, 2015

Answer 4

• Delta’s costly

Question 5

Ma et al, 2014

Answer 5

• Wetlands enclosed by sea walls longer than Great Wall
• China growth in the 13% of land that is coastal (60% GDP)
• Wetlands provide $200 billion

Question 6

Temmerman and Kirwan, 2015

Answer 6

• Most vulnerable to…

- Conventional engineering disturbs…

Question 7

Blumberg 1988

Answer 7

Systematic arrangement and use of naturally existing ecosystems for continuous purposes of production and / or disposal

Question 8

Advantages of constructed wetlands

Answer 8

1. Being self-regulating (self-sustaining) ecosystems, with nearly no electrical or mechanical parts, no chemical additives necessary.
2. Decentralized wastewater treatment, saving a large quantity of investment into the sewerage system.
3. Low energy and maintenance cost (low total lifetime cost).
4. No noise, no smell, much less sewage sludge production.
5. Tolerate fluctuations in water flow and pollutant concentrations.
6. Provide flood protection.
7. Naturally regenerative, long lifetime.
8. Treatment capability for a wide variety of effluents, domestic and industrial.
9. Fitting into the local landscape and offering a great wildlife conservation potential (provide habitats for plants and wildlife).
10. Reed harvesting as a regenerative energy source may contribute to generate electricity (biogas).
11. Often lower capital cost than conventional treatment systems.
12. Enhance aesthetics of open spaces
13. Provide recreational and educational opportunities.

Question 9

Main limitations to the use of constructed wetlands

Answer 9

1. They generally require larger land areas than conventional wastewater systems.
2. They can tolerate temporary water level drawdowns, but not complete drying (a base flow of water is required).
3. The evapotranspiration rate of aquatic macrophytes in treatment wetlands is high thus reducing the water volume available for irrigation.

Question 10

Conventional engineering cons

Answer 10

Cuts off feedbacks
Means elsewhere is deprived.
Expensive
Worse long term