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Environmental life cycle assessment of Mediterranean tomato: case study of a Tunisian soilless geothermal multi-tunnel greenhouse

Author

Listed:
  • Mariem Maaoui

    (Université de Gabès
    Institut supérieur des sciences et techniques des eaux de Gabes)

  • Rachid Boukchina

    (Université de Gabès
    Institut supérieur des sciences et techniques des eaux de Gabes)

  • Noureddine Hajjaji

    (Université de Gabès)

Abstract

Despite the advantages that tomato production has on the economic balance of Tunisia, it may present an environmental pressure on the natural ecosystem. The main objective of this research is to determine the environmental impacts of soilless geothermal conventional multi-tunnel cherry tomato production located in Chenchou (South-West of Tunisia) using life cycle assessment methodology. The functional unit considered is one ton of soilless cherry tomato produced. The system boundaries included: (1) energy, (2) fertigation (3) pesticides (3) transport (4) crop maintenance (Pruning, harvesting, CO2 injects) (5) greenhouse setting-up and (6) waste treatment. The inventory data were collected from the farm exploitation. Ten impact categories were computed using International Reference Life Cycle Data System impact assessment methodology. The results obtained showed that fertilizers and energy sub-systems are the most contributing in the majority of the impacts. The production of 1 ton of tomato emits about 954 kg CO2-eq. Moreover, waste treatment sub-system engendered an avoided global warming, land use, water resources depletion and abiotic resources depletion potential impacts. Finally, the studied system presented a relatively low water footprint due to the use of geothermal water for irrigation. The sensitivity analysis showed that substituting electricity source from natural gas to renewable sources (biomass, photovoltaics and hydropower) could improve the environmental performance of the tomato production system.

Suggested Citation

  • Mariem Maaoui & Rachid Boukchina & Noureddine Hajjaji, 2021. "Environmental life cycle assessment of Mediterranean tomato: case study of a Tunisian soilless geothermal multi-tunnel greenhouse," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 23(2), pages 1242-1263, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:endesu:v:23:y:2021:i:2:d:10.1007_s10668-020-00618-z
    DOI: 10.1007/s10668-020-00618-z
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Balghouthi, Moncef & Trabelsi, Seif Eddine & Amara, Mahmoud Ben & Ali, Abdessalem Bel Hadj & Guizani, Amenallah, 2016. "Potential of concentrating solar power (CSP) technology in Tunisia and the possibility of interconnection with Europe," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 56(C), pages 1227-1248.
    2. Saidi, Lotfi & Fnaiech, Farhat, 2014. "Experiences in renewable energy and energy efficiency in Tunisia: Case study of a developing country," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 32(C), pages 729-738.
    3. Sarah M. Jordaan & Garvin A. Heath & Jordan Macknick & Brian W. Bush & Ehsan Mohammadi & Dan Ben-Horin & Victoria Urrea & Danielle Marceau, 2017. "Understanding the life cycle surface land requirements of natural gas-fired electricity," Nature Energy, Nature, vol. 2(10), pages 804-812, October.
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