Big Data Analysis: The Impact of Agricultural Non-point Source Pollution on Household Decision-making

Abstract

Based on intergenerational support theory, a simultaneous equation model is used in this article to analyze the impact of fertilizer loss on household medical and care decisions in rural China. Results of the big data empirical analysis indicate that one kg/ha increase in fertilizer loss alters the medical costs by CNY 35 (USD 5) per year and the opportunity cost of household caring time by CNY 5 (USD 0.7) per year. This is equivalent CNY 760 million (USD 109 million) at nation economic loss. Furthermore, fertilizer loss has a significant lag and cumulative impact on medical expenses.