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Multi-Evolutionary Game Research on Heavy Metal Pollution Control in Soil: Based on a Third-Party Perspective

Author

Listed:
  • Songtao Xu

    (School of Accounting, Jiujiang University, Jiujiang 332005, China)

  • Zhifang Zhou

    (School of Business, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
    Collaborative Innovation Center of Resource-conserving & Environment-Friendly Society and Ecological Civilization, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China)

  • Ke Liu

    (School of Business, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China)

Abstract

The introduction of third-party governance models for the treatment of soil heavy metal pollution has promoted the marketization, professionalization, and efficiency of pollution treatment, but also can result in distortions of relevant stakeholder relationships and conflicts of interest. The game relationship among the government, soil-polluting companies, and third-party governance companies may solve the practical dilemma of comprehensive management of soil heavy metal pollution and establish a good cooperative mechanism. We constructed a three-party evolutionary game model to analyze the interaction mechanism of each agent’s strategy choice as well as the evolution of each agent’s strategy choice under different parameter trends and simulation analyses. The research showed that the amount of fines and supervision costs, rent-seeking costs and governance costs, and government subsidies and rent-seeking benefits were key factors affecting the evolution and stability strategies of government departments, soil-polluting companies, and third-party governance companies. By cooperating with third-party governance companies, the government can effectively suppress the improper behavior of soil-polluting companies. The conclusions of the study are helpful to broaden the research boundary of soil heavy metal pollution treatment and provide theoretical guidance for the treatment of soil heavy metal pollution in China.

Suggested Citation

  • Songtao Xu & Zhifang Zhou & Ke Liu, 2020. "Multi-Evolutionary Game Research on Heavy Metal Pollution Control in Soil: Based on a Third-Party Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(13), pages 1-20, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:13:p:5306-:d:378670
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. H. Holly Wang & Jing Yang & Na Hao, 2022. "Consumers’ Willingness to Pay for Rice from Remediated Soil: Potential from the Public in Sustainable Soil Pollution Treatment," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(15), pages 1-22, July.

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