Life cycle assessment of potential pollutant-induced human capital loss caused by different agricultural production systems in Beijing, China

Abstract

Abstract Concerns about human health problems associated with adverse environmental impacts have been raised worldwide, and the direct quantitative relationship between pollutants and economic cost is often highlighted. However, few studies have focused on the agricultural sector, and the relationship between human health impact and agricultural production processes remains poorly understood. This study aims to fill this gap by identifying the quantitative relationships among agricultural production systems, pollutants, and human capital losses (HCL) using a dose−response model that combined with life cycle assessment and the amended human capital method. We analyzed maize, vegetable, and peach production systems in the Beijing metropolitan region (BJMR). The results showed that the HCL was closely related to the amount and types of external inputs in different intensive agricultural systems. Through the dose−response model, all of the three production systems performed significantly negative externalities, among them, the vegetable production system was identified as a pattern with both greatest economic outcomes and highest HCL, to expand vegetable cultivated area has a potential risk of increasing HCL. As to external inputs, fertilizers contributed most to the HCL, followed by electricity and other inputs. In addition, a cost−benefit analysis indicated that the vegetable production system had the highest level of eco-efficiency from the perspective of HCL and net benefit per unit area, that means converting vegetable into maize production in the BJMR would substantially reduce less HCL with more economic losses. Therefore, our results suggest that consideration should be given to balance the HCL and economic outcomes when developing policies aimed at promoting environmentally friendly agricultural practices in the BJMR, and in other regions worldwide.