Comparative assessment of pollution by the use of industrial agricultural fertilizers in four rapidly developing Asian countries |
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Authors: | Vladimir Novotny Xiaoyan Wang Jr" target="_blank">Andrew J EnglandeJr David Bedoya Luksamee Promakasikorn Reyes Tirado |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA;(2) Capital Normal University, Beijing, China;(3) Department of Environmental Health Science, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA;(4) Montgomery Watson-Harza, Inc., Boston, MA, USA;(5) Formerly Thai Pollution Control Department, Bangkok, Thailand;(6) Greenpeace Research Laboratories, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK |
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Abstract: | This article describes a study of the environmental impacts of the use of industrial agricultural chemicals in four Asian
countries—China, India, the Philippines and Thailand. The objective was to contribute objectively to the discussion on the
extent of the problem, past and current damages to the environment to and outline possible paths to sustainable and environmentally
benign agriculture. The four countries are experiencing rapid economic growth under a tremendous population growth pressure
that, with the exception of China, will continue without leveling of in a foreseeable future. This requires more food production
that has been accomplished by the increased use of industrial chemical fertilizers. Although the four countries uses of industrial
chemicals vary, the mix of nutrients appears to be imbalanced, resulting in large nitrogen losses into the environment, especially
in China. A suggested solution of the problem begins with reducing (China) or maintaining (India, the Philippines, Thailand)
average nutrient application levels needed by the crops and includes optimal hybrid agriculture by using organic fertilizers,
and fertilizers in the irrigation water already overloaded with nitrogen. There is a need to balance fertilizer N and P applications
with the crop needs. |
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