Life cycle assessment of open and closed hydroponic systems for vegetable (tomato and cucumber) production in arid lands

作者：Eihab Fathelrahman, Raeda Osman, Sabeera Haris, Munjed A. Maraqa, Tamrat Gebiso Challa, Berhanu Degefa, Elke Neumann, Dana Hoag · 发表于：Journal of Cleaner Production · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.1016/j.jclepro.2025.146920 · 被引用次数：7 · 研究领域：Innovations in Aquaponics and Hydroponics Systems、Agriculture Sustainability and Environmental Impact、Water-Energy-Food Nexus Studies

This study employs a life cycle assessment (LCA) approach to compare the environmental impacts of open hydroponic systems (OHS) and closed hydroponic systems (CHS) across 35 farms in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Using SimaPro© software and ReCiPe methodology, the analysis highlights substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, and water usage in CHS compared to OHS. The LCA analysis is augmented with economic analysis. CHS showed marked advantages across key environmental indicators, including reductions in abiotic depletion (11 %), global warming potential (9 %), and eutrophication potential (8 %). Additionally, endpoint analysis indicated that CHS significantly improved outcomes for human health, ecosystems, and resource conservation by limiting nutrient leaching, chemical runoff, and pollution. Reusing nutrient solutions in the CHS contributed to enhanced water and energy efficiency, addressing critical challenges of water scarcity and high energy costs in arid regions. Furthermore, CHS reduced health-related impacts, such as respiratory conditions, by lowering emissions of pollutants. The study also identified solar energy as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, further decreasing environmental impacts when integrated with CHS. While initial investments in CHS are higher, their long-term benefits, including biodiversity conservation and reduced ecological footprints, make them a promising solution for sustainable agriculture. These fin...