ABSTRACT

ABSTRACT

The main purpose of this study is to assess the impact of water pollution in the Lamtakong River, Muang district, Nakhon Ratchasima, in terms of damage cost (TDC) on human health, water consumption, and agricultural production. Total abatement cost (TAC) of wastewater treatment plant of Muang Municipality is calculated as well. Moreover, this study estimate the total external cost (TEC) which is the summation of TDC and TAC in order to roughly estimate Green GPP of Nakhon Ratchasima.

TDC is calculated from damage cost to human health, water consumption, and agricultural production. In 2006, the damage cost to human health is about 5.2 million baht, the damage cost to water consumption is 457,788 baht, and the damage cost to agricultural production is 2,152,584 baht per year. Thus, TDC due to water pollution is calculated about 7.85 millions baht. Nevertheless, TDC could be under-estimated because this study focuses on only three aspects. There are still other pollutions which are not included, such as damage on fisheries. TAC is calculated about 42.7 million baht in 2006. Thus, TEC of water pollution is calculated about 50.5 million baht in 2006.

This study applies the TEC to adjust gross provincial product (GPP) according to the concept of Green GPP. Green GPP is defined as the conventional GPP minus TEC. Green GPP in 2006 is about 134,859 million baht. Thus, TEC is calculated 0.04% of Nakhon Ratchasima GPP in 2006. However, the estimated Green GPP would be under-estimated. If all damages (caused by water pollution or other pollutions) are measurable, TEC would be higher, and Green GPP would be smaller.