Evaluating the environmental impacts of nutrient film technique hydroponic systems with alternate water sources: a life cycle assessment perspective

ABSTRACT The increasing demand for agricultural goods underscores the importance of exploring sustainable alternatives for water resources. Hydroponics, which optimizes water usage, is one such method. However, there's a need to consider various water sources such as desalinated, deionized, and reclaimed water to enhance water efficiency, assessed through a life cycle approach. Despite this, the environmental impacts of these alternatives remain unexamined. This study aims to quantify the environmental effects of different water sources in hydroponics. The study's scope is limited to the operational stage (gate-to-gate) and excludes extraction, transportation, and end-of-life phases. The research focuses on a hydroponic farm in Multan, Pakistan, using the CML 2001 impact assessment method. Results indicate that reclaimed water has the lowest environmental burden, followed by deionized water, while desalinated water and conventional water have the highest impacts. There is significant potential in utilizing various global water sources for irrigation and industrial purposes. Recent advancements ensure the quality and safety of water, enabling its use in irrigation in water-scarce regions. Florida and California have successfully utilized reclaimed water for decades, though the feasibility depends on factors such as costs, availability, and site to site benefits.