Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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Critical findings
103 results(2 / 5)
Systematization of the Environmental Educational Experience: The Home/School Garden as a Strategy to Address Food Security in the Post-COVID-19 Confinement School
2022Claudia Marcela Puerto Layton · Interdisciplinary Journal of Environmental and Science Education · Colombia
This article reports the systematization of an experience with home/school gardens in an educational institution in Bogotá, involving high school students (seventh and eighth grades) in face-to-face and remote modalities. Results include the reconstruction of the strategy and didactic process, highlighting aspects that affect or support the educational process in each modality. Reflections with students indicated that while home gardens can contribute to food security, pesticides can pose a risk to food security in Colombia.
Contamination & food safetyFood educationFood sovereignty & justiceHealthCommunityEffects of Mixed Cropping of Garden Plants with Brassica parachinensis on Remediation of Cr-Polluted Soil in Community Garden
2022Shiyu Cui, Wenbin Liu, Hexian Jin, Yi Qiao, Ying Wang, Dan Liu · Atmosphere · Global
This study investigated the effects of mixed cropping garden plants (Festuca arundinacea, Ageratum conyzoides, Trifolium repens) with Brassica parachinensis on Cr-contaminated soil remediation. While mixed cropping with Trifolium repens resulted in the highest B. parachinensis yield and Cr content below standard in edible parts, mixed cropping with Ageratum conyzoides aggravated Cr pollution in edible parts of B. parachinensis, making it unsuitable for planting.
Contamination & food safetyCommunityHealthOrganic cycleFirst report demonstrating the presence of Toxocara spp. eggs on vegetables grown in community gardens in Europe
2022Sara R. Healy, Eric R. Morgan, Joaquín M. Prada, Martha Betson · Food and Waterborne Parasitology · United Kingdom
This proof-of-concept study investigated the presence of Toxocara spp. eggs on 82 'ready-to-eat' vegetable samples (lettuce, spinach, spring onion, celery) from 16 community gardens in southern England. Two lettuce samples tested positive for Toxocara spp. eggs, showing an overall prevalence of 2.4% for vegetable samples and 6.5% specifically for lettuce. This study is the first to demonstrate Toxocara spp. eggs on vegetables grown in community gardens in the UK and Europe, highlighting biosecurity and zoonotic risks.
Contamination & food safetyCommunityHealthLegacy Lead in Urban Garden Soils: Communicating Risk and Limiting Exposure
2022Anna Paltseva, Zhongqi Cheng, Murray B. McBride, Maha Deeb, Sara Perl Egendorf, Peter M. Groffman · Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution · Global
This synthesis paper summarizes current scientific knowledge on lead (Pb) contamination in urban garden soils and provides clear recommendations for assessing actual health risks and limiting exposure. Urban garden soils often contain elevated levels of Pb, mainly from legacy sources, which is a main barrier for urban gardening. Amendments are noted as unreliable for treating contaminated soils to reduce risk, as they do not always make contaminants less harmful.
Contamination & food safetyHealthOrganic cycleCommunityHealth Risk of Heavy Metals Related to Consumption of Vegetables in Areas of Industrial Impact in the Republic of Kazakhstan—Case Study for Oskemen
2022Laura Boluspayeva, Monika Jakubus, W. Spychalski, Akhan Abzhalelov, Yertas Bitmanov · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · Kazakhstan (Oskemen)
This study investigated heavy metal contamination in soils and vegetables due to the metallurgic industry in industrial areas of Oskemen, Republic of Kazakhstan. The greatest amounts of metals were found in soils and vegetables from the industrial zone, with the lowest in the suburban zone. Lead concentrations exceeded WHO/FAO standards in all analyzed vegetable samples, leading to the conclusion that consumption of vegetables cultivated in industrial areas should be restricted due to health risks.
Contamination & food safetyHealthCommunityPolicyHeavy metals and metalloids concentrations across UK urban horticultural soils and the factors influencing their bioavailability to food crops
2021Marta Crispo, Miriam C. Dobson, Roscoe S. Blevins, William Meredith, Janice A. Lake, Jill L. Edmondson · Environmental Pollution · United Kingdom
Heavy metal (HM) and metalloid concentrations were assessed in 200 urban horticultural soils across ten UK cities. HM were found to be widespread, with most concentrations below UK soil screening values (C4SLs). However, 83% of lead (Pb) concentrations exceeded C4SLs, which is a significant concern. Bioavailable HM concentrations represented a small fraction (0.01–1.8%) of total concentrations, and black carbon (BC) and organic carbon (OC) were suggested to contribute to HM immobilization.
Contamination & food safetyHealthCommunityBiodiversityFirst report of Tomato brown rugose fruit virus infecting tomato in Florida, USA
2021K. K. Dey, Maria Velez-Climent, P. Soria, Özgur Batuman, Vessela Mavrodieva, Guo Wei, Jun Zhou, Scott Adkins, John D. McVay · New Disease Reports · United States (Florida)
In October 2019, Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) was detected in six of eight symptomatic tomato plants from a 1.6 ha community garden in Alachua County, Florida. The plants also showed symptoms of Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), with three samples testing positive for TYLCV. This marks the first report of ToBRFV infecting tomatoes in Florida, USA.
Contamination & food safetyCommunityHealthThe Collective Fabric of Sustainable Management of Mining Sites to Reconcile Sensitive Land Uses and Human Health
2021Camille Dumat · Aspects in Mining & Mineral Science · Global
This paper discusses the negative environmental and health impacts of mining, such as air and soil pollution, despite its socio-economic benefits. It highlights that urban agriculture, particularly in areas near former mining sites, faces challenges regarding soil quality and the production of unpolluted vegetables due to public concerns about contamination.
Contamination & food safetyPeri-urban agricultureHealthCommunityDifferences in the Content of Zn Fractions in the Profiles of Soils from Allotment and Domestic Gardens in South-Eastern Poland
2021Iwona Makuch-Pietraś, A. Wójcikowska-Kapusta · Land · Poland
This research investigated the distribution, bioavailability, and total forms of zinc (Zn) in soils from domestic and family allotment gardens across six cities in south-eastern Poland. It found that horticultural treatments had a greater impact on sandy soils, and higher Zn contents were present in humus horizons. High values of concentration and Igeo indices indicated significant Zn pollution in these soils, with bioavailable zinc forms being notably high.
Contamination & food safetyHealthCommunityOccurrence and Determination of Antimicrobial Resistant Escherichia coli Isolates in Fish and Vegetables as Indicator Organism of Faecal Contamination in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
2021Francis Mwanza, Erick Komba, Dominic Kambarage · International Journal of Microbiology · Tanzania (Dar es Salaam)
This study in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, investigated the occurrence, antimicrobial resistance, and genetic relatedness of E. coli isolates from 156 samples of manure, vegetables, and fish. Of these, 36 samples (23.1%) were positive for E. coli, yielding 48 isolates. A significant finding was that 25 (52.1%) of these isolates were resistant to at least one antimicrobial agent, and 12 (48.0%) showed multidrug resistance, indicating a potential microbial health risk to humans through contamination.
Contamination & food safetyHealthOrganic cycleCommunityPotentially Toxic Trace Elements in the Urban Soils of Santiago de Compostela (Northwestern Spain)
2021Cecilia Herbón, María Teresa Barral, Remigio Paradelo · Applied Sciences · Spain (Santiago de Compostela)
The concentrations of trace elements Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, Cr, and As were investigated in 55 urban soils in Santiago de Compostela, northwestern Spain. While most soils showed higher trace element concentrations than regional backgrounds, they were not classified as contaminated according to Spanish regulations. However, geoaccumulation index values indicated low to moderate pollution levels in most soils, with Cu, Pb, and Zn highest in city center green areas, and Cr and Ni linked to parent material lithology.
Contamination & food safetyHealthOrganic cycleCommunityPhytoavailability of Lead for Vegetables in Urban Garden Soils
2021Chammi P. Attanayake, Ganga M. Hettiarachchi, Mónica Palomo, Gary M. Pierzynski, Blanca Calderón · ACS Agricultural Science & Technology · United States
The effect of limestone and composted manure on lead (Pb) in vegetables and Pb bioaccessibility was assessed in a contaminated urban garden (total Pb ~200 mg kg⁻¹). Amendments did not affect Pb in vegetables or Pb bioaccessibility. Peeling reduced Pb concentration in radish by half, and removing surface dust reduced Pb in leafy vegetables by 40-50%. Daily Pb intake from consuming lettuce and carrot/beetroot from this garden was approximately 1.5 times higher than the interim reference level proposed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Contamination & food safetyHealthCompostCommunityProximity of Urban Farms to Hazards With and Without Heavy Metal Contamination in Baltimore, Maryland
2021Jonathan Hall, Isabel Shargo, Niya Khanjar, Jianna Howard, Laura Schmidt, Ashley Deng, Camryn Edwards, Isabelle Berman, Joseph Galarraga, Sacoby Wilson · Environmental Justice · United States
This study in Baltimore, Maryland, used GIS mapping and spatial analysis to assess the proximity of urban farms to environmental hazards, including those with heavy metal contamination. Analyses indicated that contamination of urban farms is a possibility due to proximity: more environmental hazards were found in census tracts with urban farms, and low-income communities of color had hazards near urban farms. Historically industrial areas showed a higher concentration of environmental hazards with heavy metal or unknown contamination.
Contamination & food safetyHealthCommunityUrban–rural linkagePolicyProximity of Urban Farms to Contaminated Sites in Baltimore, Maryland
2021Isabel Shargo, Jonathan Hall, Ashley Deng, Niya Khanjar, Camryn Edwards, Isabelle Berman, Joseph Galarraga, Sacoby Wilson · Landscape Journal · United States (Baltimore)
This study in Baltimore, Maryland, used GIS mapping and hotspot analysis to assess the proximity of urban farms to environmental hazards. Most urban farms were located in low-income communities of color. However, most environmental hazards were not near urban farms but in predominantly White areas or historical industrial centers. Despite a generally low risk of contamination, some urban farms in low-income and Black/African American communities were potentially contaminated by hazardous sites.
Contamination & food safetyHealthCommunityRemediation Strategies to Reduce Heavy Metal Uptake in Lettuce Grown in Contaminated Urban Soil
2020R. Holm Thomas · Lincoln (University of Nebraska) · United States (Lincoln)
This study investigated remediation strategies to reduce heavy metal uptake in soil from a potential community garden lot near a railroad in Lincoln, NE, where elevated concentrations of lead (Pb) and arsenic (As) were detected. In a greenhouse experiment, romaine lettuce was grown. Biochar amendment resulted in the lowest concentrations of Pb and As in lettuce leaves and stems, whereas coffee grounds amendment led to the highest concentrations across all tested plant parts.
Contamination & food safetyHealthCommunityHeat Treatment Reduces Bacterial Contamination of Medicinal Plants Grown in A Community Garden
2020Cleusa Fernandes Ramos, Andréia Assunção Soares, Isabela Carvalho dos Santos, F. Ramos, Odair Alberton, Luciana Kazue Otutumi, Lidiane Nunes Barbosa, Ricardo de Melo Germano, Daniela Dib Gonçalves, Luiz Sérgio Merlini · Journal of Pure and Applied Microbiology · Brazil
This 2020 study in Brazil evaluated the bacteriological quality of six medicinal plants from community gardens, including Cymbopogon citratus and Aloysia citriodora. Analysis of cold extracts revealed bacterial contamination, with Plectranthus barbalus showing the highest aerobic mesophile count and Aloysia citriodora the highest coliform count at 45°C. However, the study concluded that heat treatment (boiling for teas) can significantly reduce or eliminate this bacteriological contamination, making the plants safe for consumption.
Contamination & food safetyCommunityHealthFood educationAtlanta Residents’ Knowledge Regarding Heavy Metal Exposures and Remediation in Urban Agriculture
2020Lauren Balotin, Samantha Distler, Antoinette L. Williams, Samuel J. W. Peters, Candis M. Hunter, Chris Theal, Gil Frank, Taranji Alvarado, Rosario Hernandez, Arthur Hines, Eri Saikawa · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · United States (Atlanta)
This study investigated Atlanta residents' knowledge regarding heavy metal and metalloid (HMM) exposures and remediation in urban agriculture, following the detection of industrial slag and hazardous soil contamination in West Atlanta in 2018. Through surveys and follow-up interviews, it was found that participants were concerned about the potential health effects of soil contaminants but unconcerned with produce in their gardens. Gardeners' knowledge of HMM exposure sources and remediation methods was low and varied based on racial group.
Contamination & food safetyHealthCommunitySoil Lead Concentration and Speciation in Community Farms of Newark, New Jersey, USA
2020Omanjana Goswami, Ashaki A. Rouff · Soil Systems · United States (Newark)
Soils from seven community farms in Newark, New Jersey, USA, were analyzed for lead (Pb) concentration and speciation. Single-step extractable Pb concentration ranged from 22 to 830 mg kg−1, with 21% of samples exceeding the NJDEP limit of 400 mg kg−1 for residential soils. Lowest Pb concentrations were detected in raised beds, while uncultivated native soil and parking lot samples had the highest values. Although most Pb is associated with reducible and oxidizable soil fractions, indicating a lower risk of mobility and bioavailability, Pb exposure through ingestion and inhalation pathways remains a concern when directly handling the soil.
Contamination & food safetyHealthCommunityPre- and Post-Harvest Practices of Urban Leafy Green Vegetable Farmers in Accra, Ghana and Their Association with Microbial Quality of Vegetables Produced
2020Joycelyn K. Quansah, Cesar L. Escalante, Angela Parry‐Hanson Kunadu, Firibu Kwesi Saalia, Jinru Chen · Agriculture · Ghana (Accra)
A survey was conducted among 102 urban leafy green vegetable farmers from 12 farming areas in Accra, Ghana, to determine agricultural practices and their association with microbial safety of vegetables produced. It was observed that 70% of farmers used water from waste drains for irrigation, 99% used incompletely composted manure, 96% harvested with bare hands, and over 60% disagreed that polluted irrigation water can contaminate vegetables or make consumers sick. Vegetables cultivated by farmers with no formal education, less food safety knowledge, and those who disagreed about contaminated water causing illness were associated with higher fecal coliform and Enterococcus sp. counts.
Contamination & food safetyHealthCommunityOrganic cycleCommunity gardens and wellbeing amongst vulnerable populations: a thematic review
2019Pernille Malberg Dyg, Søren Christensen, Corissa Jade Peterson · Health Promotion International · Global
A thematic review of 51 articles published between 1980 and 2017 examined the effects of community gardens on wellbeing among vulnerable populations. Findings suggested positive impacts on physical health and individual/social wellbeing, but food security enhancements were inconsistent. Two articles raised potential food safety concerns in urban community gardens, recommending attention to minimizing these risks.
Contamination & food safetyCommunityHealthWelfareFood educationGeospatial analysis and assessment of garden soil contamination in New York City
2019Anna Paltseva, Zhongqi Cheng · RUDN Journal of Agronomy and Animal Industries · United States (New York City)
Elevated trace metal concentrations, particularly lead (Pb), are prevalent in New York City urban soils. This study analyzed the spatial distribution of lead in NYC gardens and assessed pollution levels and ecological risks. Findings indicated that lead posed moderate to significantly high ecological risk, and the majority of NYC garden soils were characterized as polluted.
Contamination & food safetyHealthCommunityUrban Allotment Gardens for the Biomonitoring of Atmospheric Trace Element Pollution
2019Miguel Izquierdo‐Díaz, Peter E. Holm, Fernando Barrio‐Parra, Eduardo De Miguel, Jonas Duus Stevens Lekfeldt, Jakob Magid · Journal of Environmental Quality · Global
This study evaluated air pollution in urban green areas using edible plants. Analysis of 36 unwashed leaf samples showed that plants exposed next to roads had higher contents of traffic-related elements, and outdoor samples were enriched in marine aerosol ions. Cadmium and lead concentrations did not exceed European legal maximum levels for vegetables, indicating their consumption would be safe.
Contamination & food safetyHealthCommunityThe spatial and temporal variation of water quality at a community garden site in an urban setting: citizen science in action
2018Martin Dawson, Mike Hutchins, Nuria Bachiller‐Jareno, Steven Loiselle · Freshwater Science · United Kingdom (London)
A citizen-science study from 2014 to 2016 assessed water quality in a 5.6-ha urban community garden in southwestern London, using borehole water. Measurements of specific conductance and tryptophan-like fluorescence were taken over 28 months. The study found no evidence of external contamination sources or temporal changes in water quality. However, significant variations in water quality between boreholes were directly linked to on-site manure storage and use, and local geological conditions.
Contamination & food safetyCommunityHealthFrom field to plate: discussion on transfer of metals in food chain
2018Zane Vincēviča–Gaile, William Hogland, Māra Stapkēviča, Juris Burlakovs · Linnaeus Eco-Tech · Latvia
This study investigates the transfer of metallic elements in the soil-plant segment of the food chain through laboratory and field experiments. It also includes a quantitative analysis of food samples from Latvia, including fruits and vegetables from Riga city allotment gardens, to identify element composition and potential contamination risks from urban pollution. Results of experiments and analyses revealed the influence of factors such as seasonality, botanical origin, site-specific factors, agricultural practice, and food processing on element transfer.
Contamination & food safetyHealthCommunityManagement initiatives in support of the soil quality of urban allotment gardens: Examples from Nantes (France)
2018Cécile Le Guern, Liliane Jean‐Soro, Béatrice Bechet, Thierry Lebeau, Dorine Bouquet · Land Degradation and Development · France
Urban allotment gardens in Nantes, France, were found to have soil contamination, with lead (Pb) levels ranging from 100–400 mg kg−1, posing health risks. Local actors collaborated to characterize soil, evaluate sanitary risks, and discuss management options. The most frequent solution was replacing polluted soils with clean soils, while other strategies included on-site management of excavated soil, non-accumulative cropping, or changing land use.
Contamination & food safetyCommunityHealthOrganic cycle