Irrigation Of Vegetables Research Articles

Arsenic Contamination of Water-Soil-Crop System in an Industrial Area of Bangladesh

The arsenic (As) concentrations of irrigation water, soils and vegetables were investigated in an agricultural section of Gazipur industrial area in Bangladesh, where industrial wastewater is mixed with irrigation water. The results showed that the mean As concentration of the irrigation water (0.16-0.62 mg L-1) exceeded the permissible limit for agricultural purposes recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organization (0.10 mg L-1). The mean As concentration of soils (6.48-9.75 mg kg-1) did not exceed the tolerable limit for agricultural soils recommended by the FAO (20.0 mg kg-1). While, the As concentration of the respective vegetables in average varied from 0.63 to 1.07 mg kg-1 dry weight, and the highest As concentration in average was observed in taro root (1.26-2.31 mg kg-1), followed by helencha leaf (1.85-2.02 mg kg-1). The average As concentration of root vegetables (1.84 mg kg-1) exceeded the permissible limit of 1.0 mg kg-1 suggested by the Food and Agriculture Organization, while that of leafy (0.77 mg kg-1) and fruit vegetables (0.14 mg kg-1) did not exceed the limit. Soils irrigated with As containing water that holds much amount of As showed a positive correlation with the vegetable As concentration. A decrease in the As concentration from soil to vegetable was found in root, leafy and fruit vegetables. However, the vegetables were not safe for human consumption. Some countermeasures are, therefore, necessary to reduce the vegetable As concentration.INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENT Volume-6, Issue-1, Dec-Feb 2016/17, page: 76-86

Appraisal of Some Heavy Metals and Elements in Irrigated Vegetables and Fruit Cultivated in College Farm, Maiduguri, Nigeria

This study was conducted to determine concentration levels of heavy metals and element in irrigated leafy vegetables and fruit cultivated at colleges’ farm along river Kumodu Gana bank, Maiduguri. Samples were obtained randomly from five locations and analysed as described by AOAC, (1990). Cadmium, copper, iron, potassium, manganese, nickel, lead and zinc were determined in plant parts of spinach (<i>Amaranthus blitum</i>), jute wallow (<i>Corchurus tridents</i>), roselle (<i>Habiscus sabdariffa</i> variety), and fruits of pepper (<i>Capsicum species</i>). The results revealed mean concentration level of each element determined in the vegetable plants studied; for cadmium had 0.80 - 3.21 µg/g, copper (0.38 - 1.58 µg/g), iron (0.27 - 1.89 µg/g), potassium (6.6 - 27.13 µg/g), manganese (0.26 - 2.42 µg/g), nickel (0.23 - 4.21 µg/g), lead (0.32 µg/g), and 0.13 - 0.74 µg/g for zinc. The magnitude of concentration levels of these elements detected in different irrigated vegetable plant parts materials’ sequential order was K &gt; Ni &gt; Cd &gt; Mn &gt; Fe &gt; Cu &gt; Zn &gt; Pb, the highest was potassium (K), the least was lead (Pb) and Pb was detected in roselle (<i>Habiscus sabdariffa</i> variety) only. No significance differences between the plant parts when compared their concentration levels in term of the elements determined. Their concentrations are below the recommended safe limit proposed by AOAC, EU, FAO and WHO. Hence, irrigated vegetables cultivated in the studied area were found fit, wholesome for consumption and health risk free. Further studies on the same irrigated vegetables and area are recommended.

Long-term wastewater irrigation of vegetables in real agricultural systems: Concentration of pharmaceuticals in soil, uptake and bioaccumulation in tomato fruits and human health risk assessment

Wastewater (WW) reuse for vegetable crops irrigation is regularly applied worldwide. Such a practice has been found to allow the uptake of pharmaceutical active compounds (PhACs) by plants and their subsequent entrance to the food web, representing an important alternative pathway for the exposure of humans to PhACs, with potential health implications. Herein we report the impacts of the long-term (three consecutive years) WW irrigation of a tomato crop with two differently treated effluents under real agricultural conditions, on (1) the soil concentration of selected PhACs (i.e. diclofenac, DCF; sulfamethoxazole, SMX; trimethoprim, TMP), (2) the bioaccumulation of these PhACs in tomato fruits, and (3) the human risks associated with the consumption of WW-irrigated fruits. Results revealed that the concentration of the studied PhACs in both the soil and tomato fruits varied depending on the qualitative characteristics of the treated effluent applied and the duration of WW irrigation. The PhAC with the highest soil concentration throughout the studied period was SMX (0.98 μg kg−1), followed by TMP (0.62 μg kg−1) and DCF (0.35 μg kg−1). DCF was not found in tomato fruits harvested from WW-irrigated plants during the first year of the study. However, DCF displayed the highest fruit concentration (11.63 μg kg−1) throughout the study (as a result of prolonged WW irrigation), followed by SMX (5.26 μg kg−1) and TMP (3.40 μg kg−1). The calculated fruit bioconcentration factors (BCFF) were extremely high for DCF in the 2nd (108) and 3rd year (132) of the experimental period, with the respective values for SMX (0.5–5.4) and TMP (0.2–6.4) being significantly lower. The estimated threshold of toxicity concern (TTC) and hazard quotients (HQ) values revealed that the consumption of fruits harvested from tomato plants irrigated for long period with the WW applied for irrigation under field conditions in this study represent a de minimis risk to human health. However, more studies need to be performed in order to obtain more solid information on the safety of WW reuse for irrigation.

Comparative study of bioavailability and transfer of heavy metals from irrigation water and soil to &lt;i&gt;Amaranthus&lt;/i&gt; spp. vegetables

The present investigation was on the assessment of concentrations of different heavy metals in irrigation water, agricultural soil and vegetables (Amaranthus spp.) grown on the University of Ilorin Teaching and Research Farm. The possible health hazard to humans through food chain transfer was discussed. Irrigation water, soil and Amaranthus spp. were analyzed for Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Pb, Cd, Mn, Fe and Zn concentrations. Transfer factors (TF), daily intake rate (DIR) and target hazard quotient (THQ) for daily consumption of 0.345kg of the plant were evaluated using the data obtained from the analysis. The concentration of these metals in the soil were as follows; Mn (76.5 – 225.5 mg/kg), Fe (2063.5 – 8697.0 mg/kg), Zn (9.0 – 25.5 mg/kg), Cu (2.0 – 8.0 mg/kg), Cr (&lt;0.1 – 8.5 mg/kg), Pb (&lt;0.1 – 33.0 mg/kg), while Ni, Co and Cd were not detected (&lt;0.1 mg/kg). Only Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn were detected in the irrigation water and in the plant wereMn (0.41 mg/L), Fe (0.30 mg/L), Cu (0.02 mg/L), Zn (0.02 mg/L) and Mn (390 – 940 mg/kg), Fe (405 – 662.5 mg/kg), Cu (0.00 – 10.0 mg/kg), Zn (50.0 – 110.0 mg/kg) respectively. The TF was in the order Zn &gt;Mn&gt; Cu &gt; Fe, while the DIR were below the tolerable limits and the THQ were in the ranges Zn (1.0510-3 –2.3110-3), Mn (1.7210-2 –4.1410-2), Fe (3.5610-3 –5.8310-3) and Cu (1.1310-3 –1.5010-3). The results also showed that the levels of Zn, Fe and Mn in the vegetables were higher than the international standards and the calculated THQs implied that these concentrations would have no adverse effect on the consumers over the period of time. However, the concentrations of the heavy metals need regular monitoring to prevent excessive build-up over time in the vegetable.Keywords: Heavy metals, irrigation water, Bioavalaibilty, Amaranthus spp, health hazard

Sustainable land and water management of River Oases along the Tarim River

Abstract. The Tarim Basin in Xinjiang province in northwest China is characterized by a hyper arid climate. Climate change and a strong increase in agricultural land use are major challenges for sustainable water management. The largest competition for water resources exists between irrigated fields and natural riparian vegetation, which is dependent on seasonal flooding of the Tarim River. In addition to numerous water management measures implemented by the Chinese government, the Sino-German project SuMaRiO (Sustainable Management of River Oases along the Tarim River) provided a decision support system based on ecosystem services for the Chinese stakeholders. This tool will help to implement sustainable land and water management measures in the next 5-year plan.

Some Elemental Content of Soil Within Catchment of River Jakara in Kano, Nigeria

The use of untreated urban wastes and domestic sewage contaminated water for the irrigation of agricultural soils is on the rise particularly in the developing countries and is a public health concern with regards to the consumption of vegetables and fruits produced in them which may indirectly accumulate heavy metals in their edible portions. Using the atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS), concentrations of Ca, Mg, Na, K (essential bulk elements), Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Co and Fe (trace elements) were determined in 3 designated areas within the catchment area of River Jakara in Kano Nigeria. Samples were collected from two depths 0-15cm and 15-30cm to cover both dry and wet seasons. The mean concentrations of elements obtained ranged from 0.026 mg/g Cd to 46.83 mg/g Fe and occurred in the magnitude of Fe &amp;gt; Ca &amp;gt; K &amp;gt; Na &amp;gt; Pb &amp;gt;Zn &amp;gt; Co &amp;gt; Cu &amp;gt;Cr &amp;gt; Ni &amp;gt; Cd. The concentrations of the trace elements in the soils in the two depths exceeded the international recommended permissible limits establishing the pollution of the irrigation soils with the trace elements investigated. Based on the findings, it is recommended among others that the relevant organ of government should find an alternative farmland for the farmers within the catchment area of River Jakara where unpolluted waste sources can be utilized for the irrigation of vegetables.

Bacteriological analysis of horticultural irrigation water

This study analyzed the quality of water used for the irrigation of five crops based upon microorganism indicators of fecal contamination (group coliforms) and contamination by organic material (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) in both the water and in the irrigated food. The study also verified the decrease in the activity of these microorganisms by heterotrophic bacterial count before and after treatment with three different sanitizers. The presence of coliform (NMP &amp;gt; 1600) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was observed in both the irrigation water and in the irrigated food, and the coefficient of variation (R2) revealed a strong correlation between the rates of contamination of the water and food. All of the sanitizers evaluated reduced the bacterial load of the food, especially sanitization with vinegar at 200 ppm, which, in addition to greatly reducing food contamination, is also considered a low-cost and toxicologically safe product, and therefore may be indicated for this purpose. Thus, the use of poor quality water in the irrigation of vegetables may directly contribute to food contamination, with serious implications for the health of consumers.

Heavy Metals, Phosphates and Nitrates Levels in Vegetables: A Case Study of Kitale Municipality, Trans-Nzoia County, Kenya

Trans-Nzoia county covers an area 2,469.90 Km2 with a total Population of 818,757 (Male 50%, Female 50%) and a poverty index of 5.2% (KNBS, 2011). The main economic activities in Tran-Nzoia county include horticulture, large and small scale maize farming , wheat farming, Tea, Coffee and fish farming. Effluents released from sewage treatment plant contain toxic metal pollutant whose uptake by vegetables is governed by their availability and concentration in the soil. Therefore such vegetables may accumulate pollutants in excessive amounts and this can ultimately, adversely harm humans and other species that depend on such crops for food. An evaluation of the variation of pollutant levels in vegetables and soil samples Bidii and Taito area in Kitale has been done. Two vegetable samples of were freshly harvested from two farms within the vicinity of Kitale municipality, Trans Nzoia county. The concentration of heavy metals which include, Pb, Cu, Zn and Cr, were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). Levels of some anions (nitrate and phosphate) were determined using Uv-Vis Spectrophotometer. The heavy metal amounts detected in soils ranged between 0.544-0.396 mg/kg of Cu, 6.288-1.093 mg/kg of Zn, 4.588-0.988 mg/kg of Pb and 1.167-0.297 mg/kg of Cr. In the case of vegetables, they ranged from 1.110-0.224 mg/kg of Cu, 1.365-0.101 mg/kg of Zn, 1.842-0.859 mg/kg of Pb and 0.938-0.020 mg/kg of Cr. The concentrations of the anions ranged between 2.06-1.88 mg/kg nitrate and 4.99-4.66 mg/kg of phosphate in soils and 3.202-2.176 mg/kg of nitrate and 3.342-2.839 mg/kg of phosphate in vegetables. Overall, the present study showed that the heavy metal levels in soil were below the WHO permissible levels. However, the levels of Pb and Cr in vegetables were found to be above the WHO permissible levels. The high values might be attributed to the use of untreated effluents from the sewage treatment plant by farmers for the irrigation of these vegetables. Thus, the high values of these trace metals in the vegetable samples could put the consumers of these vegetables at health risk. Further works should be carried out in the soil samples were the vegetables are grown.

NEWLY-DEVELOPED HYBRID ‘LADUSHKA’

The aim of our research was to study the combinational ability of gynomonoecious form and to assess the best hybrid combinations for agriculturally valuable traits. The experiments were carried out in arid condition of Astrakhan oblast with the use of drop irrigation system at All-Russian Research Institute of Irrigated Vegetable, Melon and Ground Growing. Five hybrids produced from crossing of maternal form Gм r/l, comparing with already released cultivars ‘Goliyanka’, ‘Skazka’, ‘Zolotistaya’, ‘Kolkhoznitsa’ and ‘Lada’ have been studied. In the course of the study hybrid 'Ladushka' that excelled its parental cultivar ‘Lada’ at all main characteristics has been developed.

Perceived Health Hazards of Low-Quality Irrigation Water in Vegetable Production in Morogoro, Tanzania

&lt;p&gt;This study assessed the perceptions of vegetable farmers, traders, consumers and key informants on the health hazards of using low-quality water in irrigation vegetable production in Morogoro, Tanzania. Methods used to collect data were a survey involving all farmers in Changarawe village and Fungafunga area using low-quality water for irrigation vegetable production (n=60), consumers of low-quality water irrigated vegetables (n=70) and vegetable traders selling low-quality water irrigated vegetables (n=60), focus group discussions (n=7) and key informant interviews (n=25). The study employed cross sectional research design. Descriptive statistics were used to calculate mean, frequencies and percentages while Mann-Whitney U-test and Kruskal-Wallis H-test assessed the association between social-demographic variables and respondents score on the health hazard perception scale of using low-quality water in vegetable production. Results showed skin itching, fungal diseases, bilharzias and worm infestation as among the perceived health hazards in using low-quality irrigation water. Health hazard perception differed among groups of farmers, consumers and vegetable traders (&lt;em&gt;p&amp;lt;&lt;/em&gt;0.001). The mean ranks of the groups indicated that farmers perceive less health hazards in using low-quality water (mean rank = 147.98) compared to consumers (mean rank = 72.68) and vegetable traders (mean rank 69.64). More health hazards were perceived by Fungafunga farmers compared to farmers from the Changarawe village (&lt;em&gt;p&amp;lt;&lt;/em&gt;0.001) while female farmers perceived less hazards in using low-quality water than male farmers &lt;em&gt;(p &lt;/em&gt;&amp;lt; 0.05). Consumers with formal education perceived more health hazards than consumers with no formal education (&lt;em&gt;p&lt;/em&gt; &amp;lt; 0.001) while vegetable traders from Fungafunga area perceived more health hazards in selling low-quality water irrigated vegetable than vegetable traders from the Changarawe village (&lt;em&gt;p&amp;lt;&lt;/em&gt;0.001). These findings demonstrate the need to design health hazards minimization interventions for specific target group. &lt;/p&gt;

Public Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metal Uptake by Vegetables Grown at a Waste-water-Irrigated Site in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Wastewater is often used in developing countries for irrigation of crops. This wastewater often contains a number of heavy metals which are harmful to human health due to their non-biodegradable nature, long biological half-lives and their potential to accumulate in different body parts. There are many potential risks to human health from heavy metal contamination of vegetables grown at waste-water-irrigated sites. This study was carried out to assess the concentration of heavy metals and the risk to human health by heavy metals (lead (Pb), nickel (Ni) and arsenic (As)) through the intake of locally grown vegetables collected from wastewater irrigated agricultural fields. The objectives of the present study were to determine concentrations of heavy metals in vegetables collected from the wastewater-irrigated fields, to calculate daily intake of heavy metals from the consumption of vegetables for both adults and children, and to evaluate their potential health risk. Twenty-seven samples of nine different types of vegetables were analyzed by an Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS) (Varian AAS 240 F S). The range of various metals in waste-water irrigated vegetables were not detected (ND)-0.188, 0.072-1.069 and ND-0.076 mg/kg for Pb, Ni and As, respectively. The highest mean concentration of all metals was detected in jute leaf, except for Pb which was found in the stem amaranth leaf. The mean concentration of all metals in all vegetables was within the safe limits of the World Health Organization/Food and Agricultural Organization (WHO/FAO) and China's national standards. The health risk index was more than 1 for As in jute leaf for both adults and children. The metal pollution index was highest (0.16 mg/kg) in jute leaf, whereas green papaya showed the lowest metal pollution index (MPI) value (0.005 mg/kg). Among all vegetables tested, the highest intake values of Ni and As were from consumption of jute leaf and the highest intake values of Pb from consumption of stem amaranth leaf for both adults and children. Higher values in the metal pollution index and health risk index indicate heavy metal contamination in wastewater-irrigated soils that present the potential for a significant negative impact on human health.

Determination of natural radioactivity in irrigation water of drilled wells in northwestern Saudi Arabia.

The levels of natural radiation in bedrock groundwater extracted from drilled wells in selected farms in the northwestern part of Saudi Arabia were addressed. The investigated waters form a source of irrigation for vegetables, agricultural crops, wheat, and alfalfa to feed livestock consumed by the general public. Information about water radioactivity in this area is not available yet. Therefore, this study strives to contribute to the quality assessment of the groundwater of these wells that are drilled into the non-renewable Saq sandstone aquifer. Hence, gross alpha and beta activities as well as the concentrations of (224)Ra, (226)Ra, (228)Ra, (234)U, (238)U, and U(total) were measured, compared to national and international limits and contrasted with data quoted from the literature. Correlations between the activities of the analyzed radionuclides were discussed. The concentrations of gross alpha and beta activities as well as (228)Ra were identified by liquid scintillation counting whereas alpha spectrometry was used to determine (224)Ra, (226)Ra, (234)U and (238)U after separation from the matrix by extraction chromatography. The mean activity concentrations of gross α and β were 3.15 ± 0.26 Bq L(-1) and 5.39 ± 0.44 Bq L(-1), respectively. Radium isotopes ((228)Ra and (226)Ra) showed mean concentrations of 3.16 ± 0.17 Bq L(-1) and 1.12 ± 0.07 Bq L(-1), respectively, whereas lower levels of uranium isotopes ((234)U and (238)U) were obtained.

Heavy Metal Contamination of Soil, Irrigation Water and Vegetables in Peri-Urban Agricultural Areas and Markets of Delhi.

Dietary exposure to heavy metals, namely cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu), has been identified as a risk to human health through consumption of vegetable crops. The present study investigates heavy metal contamination in irrigation water, soil, and vegetables at four peri-urban and one wholesale site in Delhi, India, and estimates the health risk index. Most of the samples collected from peri-urban areas exceeded the safe limits of lead and cadmium, whereas only lead concentration was found to be higher in vegetable samples collected from the wholesale market. Average uptake of metals by vegetables from soil decreased in the order Cd>Zn>Cu>Pb. The order of metal uptake based on transfer factor was highest in okra, cauliflower, and spinach, from greatest to least. Among the vegetables from peri-urban sites, only okra crossed the safe limit for cadmium; whereas vegetables from the wholesale site exceeded the limit for lead (potato, coriander, chilies, pea, and carrot, in order from greatest to least) with respect to health risk index.

Assessing environmental impacts of constructed wetland effluents for vegetable crop irrigation

ABSTRACTThe objective of this study was to monitor and assess environmental impacts of reclaimed wastewater (RW), used for irrigation of vegetable crops, on soil, crop quality and irrigation equipment. During 2013, effluents of a horizontal sub-surface flow constructed treatment wetland (TW) system, used for tertiary treatment of sanitary wastewater from a small rural municipality located in Eastern Sicily (Italy), were reused by micro-irrigation techniques to irrigate vegetable crops. Monitoring programs, based on in situ and laboratory analyses were performed for assessing possible adverse effects on water-soil-plant systems caused by reclaimed wastewater reuse. In particular, experimental results evidenced that Escherichia coli content found in RW would not present a risk for rotavirus infection following WHO (2006) standards. Irrigated soil was characterized by a certain persistence of microbial contamination and among the studied vegetable crops, lettuce responds better, than zucchini and eggplants, to the irrigation with low quality water, evidencing a bettering of nutraceutical properties and production parameters.

English

Due to insufficient clean water resources, wastewater is largely used for irrigation of vegetables and fruits in many developing countries like Nigeria. As a result of this, vegetables in spite of providing nutrients also accumulate toxic metals and causes health risks. In the present study, the levels of heavy metals (lead (Pb), cadnium (Cd), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu)), were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrometers (AAS). The water used for irrigation had the following concentrations, 1.639 ± 0.0016, 0.037 ± 0.0021, 10.046 ± 0.0003, 0.295 ± 0.0022 and 4.236 ± 0.0017 for Pb, Cd, Fe, Cu and Zn, respectively, while the spinach has 0.613 ± 0.0009, 0.022 ± 0.0014, 25.666 ± 0.0011, 1.934 ± 0.0007 and 1.842 ± 0.0003 for Pb, Cd, Fe, Cu and Zn. The heavy metal in the waste-water sample is higher than the spinach and when compared with the WHO recommended safe limits, statistically they are still within the range except for the Fe and Zn. The result of this study will bring awareness to consumers and the government agencies on these samples about what people consumed and its health implication, as well as assist them and the farmers in taking necessary precautions. Key words: Heavy metals, spinach, waste-water, bioaccumulation.

WATER FROM DIFFERENT SOURCES USED FOR THE IRRIGATION OF VEGETABLES TO BE MARKETED: RESEARCH ON Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia spp., AND COLIFORMS IN PARANA, BRAZIL.

SUMMARYThe aim of this work was to compare, from a parasitological ( Cryptosporidiumspp. and Giardia duodenalis), bacteriological (total and thermotolerants coliforms) and physicochemical perspective, water sources used for drinking and irrigation of vegetables intended to be sold for human consumption. From January 2010 to May 2011, samples of different water sources from vegetable producing properties were collected; 100 liters for parasitological analysis, 200 mL for bacteriological analysis, and five liters for physicochemical analysis. Water samples were filtered under vacuum with a kit containing a cellulose acetate membrane filter, 1.2 µm (Millipore(r), Barueri, SP, Brazil). The material retained on the membrane was mechanically extracted and analyzed by direct immunofluorescence (Merifluor(r)kit). From 20 rural properties investigated, 10 had artesian wells (40 samples), 10 had common wells (40 samples), and one had a mine (four samples), the latter contaminated by Cryptosporidiumspp. In samples from artesian wells, 90 to 130 meters depth, 42.5% were positive for total coliforms and 5.0% were identified to have abnormal coloration. From the samples of common wells, 14 to 37 meters depth, 87.5% were contaminated with total coliforms, 82.5% were positive for thermotolerant coliforms, and 12.5% had color abnormalities. We did not detect the presence of Giardiaspp. or Cryptosporidiumspp. in artesian and common wells. The use of artesian or common wells is an important step in the control of the spreading of zoonoses, particularly Cryptosporidiumspp. and Giardiaspp., as well as artesian wells for coliform control in local production of vegetables to be marketed.

Molecular detection of Cyclospora in water, soil, vegetables and humans in southern Italy signals a need for improved monitoring by health authorities

To date, in Europe, there is scant information on the occurrence of Cyclospora in water from treatment plants and in humans, and no data are available on soil or fresh plant products. Here, we undertook the first molecular survey of Cyclospora in multiple biological matrices collected from the Apulia region of southern Italy. Samples of irrigation water from four municipal treatment plants, eight different types of vegetables or fruit (cucumber, lettuce, fennel, celery, tomato, melon, endive and chicory) and soil from the same farms on which these plants were grown, as well as faecal samples from humans living in the same region were tested by qPCR-coupled single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis and DNA sequencing. Cyclospora was detected in 15.5% of all 213 samples tested. Specifically, this protist was detected in (i) treated water (21.3% of 94 samples), well water (6.2% of 16), but not drinking water (0% of 3); (ii) soil (11.8% of 51 samples) and vegetables (12.2% of 49), with the highest prevalence (18.7%) on fennel; and (iii) human stools (27.5% of 40 samples). In environmental and food samples, Cyclospora was detected mainly in autumn and was significantly more prevalent in the faeces from humans of 40–50years of age. This is the first comprehensive molecular survey of Cyclospora in environmental, food and human faecal samples in Europe. These data suggest that irrigation water, soil and vegetables might be contaminated by Cyclospora cayetanensis, which might represent a source of infection to humans in the study area and calls for monitoring by health authorities.

Ecosystem services from rainwater harvesting in India

Availability of a safe and reliable water supply is an issue in developing nations, including India. Rainwater harvesting (RWH) is a site-specific source control used to satisfy human, agricultural, and safety demands for water. This study analyzed the effects of capturing rainwater for a 12.5 year period (Jan 1999–Jun 2011) to provide three ecosystem services: water supplementation for indoor use, water supplementation for food production and groundwater recharge (GWR). A hydrologic analysis was completed using satellite rainfall data and a water balance approach. Two demand scenarios, indoor and outdoor, were considered, with water in excess of demand and storage directed to recharge groundwater. An economic analysis quantified RWH system net present value. The results indicated significant ecosystem services benefits were possible from RWH in India. RWH for the purpose of providing irrigation to a small garden and allowing overflow to a drywell for GWR was concluded to be an approach to maximize benefits. This scenario provided the greatest net present value (21,764–38,851 INR), fastest payback period (0.30–0.98 years), and recharge to groundwater of more than 40% of onsite rainfall. The benefit of the outdoor vegetable irrigation was determined and the results showed that the caloric demands of the typical Indian household (2.75 kg of tomatoes and 1.05 kg of lettuce) could be met with a 20 m2 garden, and excess food could be sold to offset the capital cost of the system and later for economic gain.

More cash and jobs per illegal drop? The legal and illegal water footprint of the Western Mancha Aquifer (Spain)

Abstract In many situations, the overuse of natural resources is aggravated by illegal use. More insights on the drivers and significance of this phenomenon are needed in order to formulate policies that can effectively ease human pressure on the environment. This paper makes use of the water footprint (WF), as a physical indicator of freshwater use, and introduces both economic (water productivity) and social (labour intensity) indicators to understand illegal groundwater use from a multiple perspective. Using data from the year 2000 and from 2007 to 2009, we analyse in detail the case of the Western Mancha Aquifer, in central Spain, where legal and illegal groundwater use take place simultaneously. Results show that nearly 52% of the agricultural blue WF is linked to illegal groundwater use, mostly for vine and vegetable irrigation. Besides this, the illegal share accounts for around 56% and 57% respectively of the gross income and employment generated by irrigation in the area. Therefore, although action to halt illegal withdrawals is a recurrent call to ease pressure on natural resources and ecosystems, these figures reflect the economic and social drivers, which might explain why such action is difficult to implement. In addition, the data presented in this paper provides new insights into some aspects of a public plan recently implemented to regularize illegal use by purchasing and reallocating groundwater rights on the basis of social and environmental grounds, which might be relevant for future public policy measures in situations presenting both over-allocation of water rights and illegal water use.

Identical assemblage of Giardia duodenalis in humans, animals and vegetables in an urban area in southern Brazil indicates a relationship among them.

Background Giardia duodenalis infects humans and other mammals by ingestion of cysts in contaminated water or food, or directly in environments with poor hygiene. Eight assemblages, designated A–H, are described for this species.Methodology/Principal FindingsWe investigated by microscopy or by direct immunofluorescence technique the occurrence of G. duodenalis in 380 humans, 34 animals, 44 samples of water and 11 of vegetables. G. duodenalis cysts present in samples were genotyped through PCR-RFLP of β giardin and glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh) genes and sequencing of gdh. The gdh gene was amplified in 76.5% (26/34) of the human faeces samples with positive microscopy and in 2.9% (1/34) of negative samples. In 70.4% (19/27) of the positive samples were found BIV assemblage. In two samples from dogs with positive microscopy and one negative sample, assemblages BIV, C, and D were found. Cysts of Giardia were not detected in water samples, but three samples used for vegetable irrigation showed total coliforms above the allowed limit, and Escherichia coli was observed in one sample. G. duodenalis BIV was detected in two samples of Lactuca sativa irrigated with this sample of water. BIV was a common genotype, with 100% similarity, between different sources or hosts (humans, animals and vegetables), and the one most often found in humans.Conclusions/SignificanceThis is the first study in Brazil that reports the connection among humans, dogs and vegetables in the transmission dynamics of G. duodenalis in the same geographic area finding identical assemblage. BIV assemblage was the most frequently observed among these different links in the epidemiological chain.