Assessing the Value of Ecosystem Services in Decentralized Sanitation Systems: A Case Study in a Vulnerable Mountain Area

Decentralized waste and wastewater management systems represent a promising solution for enhancing resource efficiency and delivering ecosystem services, particularly in remote or environmentally sensitive areas. This study presents an economic valuation of ecosystem services provided by the AQUANOVA system, implemented at the Bosconero mountain hut in Northern Italy. The system integrates anaerobic digestion and phytoremediation for the treatment of organic waste and wastewater, applying circular economy principles. Using market-based, replacement cost, avoided cost, and benefit transfer methods, key ecosystem services were monetarily quantified. Results show the economic benefits generated by the system through renewable energy production, improved soil quality, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and wastewater treatment. Depending on discount rates and climate policy scenarios, the Net Present Value (NPV) of these ecosystem services over 30 years ranges from approximately EUR 33,000 to EUR 46,000. Additionally, non-monetized benefits such as biodiversity enhancement, nutrient cycling, and cultural services further reinforce the environmental relevance of the system. These findings highlight the potential of integrating ecosystem service valuation into the assessment of decentralized waste management technologies to support evidence-based environmental policies and the transition to a circular economy.