Use of Domestic Wastewater for Irrigation of Vegetable Crops: The Health Implications

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ABSTRACT

This work examined the effects of domestic wastewater used for the irrigation of vegetables. Ever-increasing population, urbanization and industrialization have led to the generation and indiscriminate discharge of large volumes of water from domestic agricultural zones of the country. Discharged from industries, domestic sewage, abattoir, and other non-point sources of pollution with a high concentration of vegetable farmers using wastewater. The use of sewage water for irrigation is a matter of major concern due to the presence of toxic metals and other pollutants. The physicochemical parameters of irrigation water were observed to be higher than acceptable limits. Consumption of vegetables positively impacts man’s health; the presence of faecal-indicator bacteria in the irrigation water and vegetable samples suggests faecal pollution raises the possibility of pathogenic microorganisms in these vegetables and a threat to public health. It is recommended that there is need adequate treatment of effluents before discharge. The need for proper disinfection of raw vegetables before consumption cannot be overemphasized.

References

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Use of Domestic Wastewater for Irrigation of Vegetable Crops - The Health Implications