WETLANDS

In order to achieve maximum nutrient reduction in the Baltic Sea, it is crucial to reduce leakage from agricultural land. The regions involved in the WAB project are intensely farmed and share the challenge to decrease environmental impact through common efforts.

In this project, pilot-facilities for growing limnic algae will be tested. The facilities/wetlands will be strategically placed in the agriculture landscape around Trelleborg (Sweden) in order to receive a maximum flow of drainage water. The mix of limnic algae will be designed to absorb as many nutrients from the water as possible, and the harvested biomass will then be used for biogas production. The fermentation residuals will, if possible, be recycled as fertilizer to the the farming land.

The wetlands used for the production must be easy to maintain and harvest, therefore different methods will be tested to determine the most effective approach.

In order to evaluate the nutrient reduction in the drainage area, the water quality of the river will be monitored throughout the project period.

In the Pomorskie Region of Poland the possibility to use similar wetlands for biogas production will be investigated. Experiences regarding landowner organization and participation, wetland reconstruction and harvesting of biomass from the Swedish side will be transferred to Poland. This will occur mainly through an educational program involving identified farmers and landowners who have an interest and possibility to implement the method in the future.