Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
103 results(3 / 5)
Práticas agrícolas e análise socioeconômica e ambiental de canteiros urbanos: um estudo de caso dos horticultores do bairro Mangueira – Grajaú/MA
2018Jonas Aleixo da Silva · · Brazil
This qualitative case study analyzed urban agriculture practices in the Mangueira neighborhood, Grajau-MA, Brazil, through visits, observations, and interviews. The study found that while urban horticulture provided benefits like income and product quality, it faced difficulties including reliance on borrowed land, soil depletion, and the use of agrochemical products, indicating that production was not free from chemical fertilizers.
Contamination & food safetyCommunityEconomicsHealthWelfareUrban–rural linkageTotal and Bioaccessible Soil Arsenic and Lead Levels and Plant Uptake in Three Urban Community Gardens in Puerto Rico
2018John Misenheimer, Clay Nelson, Evelyn Huertas, Myriam Medina-Vera, Alex Prevatte, Karen D. Bradham · Geosciences · Puerto Rico
Total and bioaccessible arsenic (As) and lead (Pb) levels, and their uptake by 10 commonly grown garden plants, were examined in three urban community gardens in Puerto Rico. Total As ranged from 2 to 55 mg/kg and Pb from 19 to 172 mg/kg in soils. Leaves accumulated higher concentrations of As and Pb than edible flesh, with culantro leaves showing the highest concentrations (3.2 mg/kg dw As, 8.9 mg/kg dw Pb).
Contamination & food safetyCommunityHealthOrganic cycleZoonotic disease transmission associated with feral cats in a metropolitan area: A geospatial analysis
2018Sara J. Taetzsch, Andrea S. Bertke, Karen Gruszynski · Zoonoses and Public Health · United States (Richmond)
This study investigated the potential overlap between feral cat territories and human-frequented areas in the Richmond metropolitan area, Central Virginia, using GIS. From July to November 2016, 275 feral cats were trapped for TNR clinics. Findings showed that 8.0% of feral cats had the potential to range onto public elementary or preschool property, and 81.5% of those trapped in Richmond City could roam into public parks and community gardens, indicating a risk of zoonotic disease transmission.
Contamination & food safetyHealthCommunityScreening analysis of toxic metals on specific allotment garden areas in the city of Brno and its surroundings
2017Milan Geršl · · Czech Republic (Brno)
A study in Brno, Czech Republic, assessed toxic metal levels and soil attributes (pH, ORP, conductivity) in specific allotment garden areas using XRF analysis. Four out of eight metals (Cd, Cu, V, and Zn) exceeded legal norms, with cadmium (Cd) being the most hazardous at 12.69 mg/kg against a legal norm of 0.5 mg/kg. Despite high levels, the mobility of these metals was expected to be low given the detected soil attributes.
Contamination & food safetyHealthCommunity"L’agriculture urbaine", entre concept scientifique et modèle d’action
2017Maud Chalmandrier, Marine Canavèse, Yves Petit‐Berghem, Élisabeth Rémy · HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe) · Global
This study, using case studies of public action and gardeners' relationships with urban soil, argues that the concept of "urban agriculture" smooths over inherent tensions to promote its development as an action category. This approach tends to minimize differences in meaning among actors regarding their cultivation practices and, critically, relegates the crucial question of urban soil quality and its suitability for food crops to a secondary concern.
Contamination & food safetyPolicyCommunityHealthHeavy metals in suburban gardens and the implications of land-use change following a major earthquake
2017Seyedardalan Ashrafzadeh, Niklas J. Lehto, Gareth Oddy, Ron G. McLaren, Ling‐Fen Kang, Nicholas Dickinson, Johannes Welsch, Brett Robinson · Applied Geochemistry · New Zealand (Christchurch)
A study in Christchurch, New Zealand, measured heavy metal (HM) concentrations in suburban garden soils and soils at risk of HM contamination due to former land uses or nearby activities. HM concentrations in suburban garden soils were higher than normal background levels, with 46% of urban garden samples exceeding the residential land use national standard for lead (210 mg kg−1), and the most contaminated soil reaching 2615 mg kg−1. Arsenic and zinc also exceeded national standards in 20% of soils. These findings suggest that soil HM concentrations should be key criteria when determining future land use for former residential areas demolished due to the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes, and that redeveloping these areas as parklands or forests would result in less human HM exposure than agriculture or community gardens where food is produced and bare soil is exposed.
Contamination & food safetyHealthCommunityContaminants in Urban Soils: Bioavailability and Transfer
2017Dorothy Menefee, Ganga M. Hettiarachchi · · United States
Soil contamination with potentially toxic trace elements and anthropogenic organic pollutants is a widespread problem in urban areas worldwide. While urban agriculture increases food security, potential risks exist without knowledge of urban soil contamination. Lead (Pb) contamination is a widespread and common urban soil issue associated with human health risks, with almost half of US EPA Superfund sites having Pb contamination. Cadmium (Cd) is also a widespread urban soil pollutant, largely from industrial activities like plastic manufacturing, battery disposal, and metal ore processing. The bioavailability of soil Pb to humans is unusually low and generally tied to Pb speciation.
Contamination & food safetyHealthCommunityMoving dirt: soil, lead, and the dynamic spatial politics of urban gardening
2017Bethany B. Cutts, Jonathan London, Shaina Meiners, Kirsten Schwarz, Mary L. Cadenasso · Local Environment · Global
This paper applies a dynamic spatial politics framework to interpret a 30-year conflict over an urban garden in Sacramento, California. It examines how urban gardens, often idealized, are also sites of conflict due to competing visions of "soil" versus "dirt." The study highlights that contaminants like lead in the soil contribute to this instability, reframing fertile soil as dangerous dirt, and influencing the garden's transformation from a countercultural space to a gentrified amenity.
Contamination & food safetyCommunityHealthPolicyUrban Agriculture: Environmental, Economic, and Social Perspectives
2016Steve G. Hallett, Lori Hoagland, Emily Toner · Horticultural reviews · Global
This chapter discusses urban agriculture from economic, environmental, and social perspectives, acknowledging differences between urban agriculture in small and large cities, as well as the Global North and South. Urban farms and community gardens can have both positive and negative environmental impacts, such as reducing or increasing energy consumption, improving water infiltration, and beautifying neighborhoods, or producing odors and contaminating water. The chapter also attempts to frame policy recommendations that might help guide urban agriculture's development.
Contamination & food safetyEconomicsClimate changePolicyCommunitySoil Lead Testing at a High Spatial Resolution in an Urban Community Garden: A Case Study in Relic Lead in Terre Haute, Indiana.
2016Jennifer C. Latimer, David Van Halen, James H. Speer, Stephanie Krull, Patricia G. Weaver, Joseph M. Pettit, Heather Foxx · PubMed · United States (Indiana)
This study collected over 1,061 surface soil samples from an approximately 1.25-acre urban community garden in Terre Haute, Indiana, during the summer of 2012, to evaluate the spatial distribution of lead at the plot level. The results highlighted significant variability in lead concentrations within small areas of a former residential property, with some areas showing high lead concentrations (600 ppm). Based on these findings, several areas of concern were identified, and the community garden was reconfigured to reduce potential lead exposure to gardeners and the local community.
Contamination & food safetyHealthCommunityAntimony Accumulation Risk in Lettuce Grown in Brazilian Urban Gardens
2016Silvia Mancarella, Giuseppina Pennisi, Daniela Gasperi, L. Marchetti, V. Loges, Francesco Orsini, Giorgio Gianquinto, Gilmo Vianello, Livia Vittori Antisari · Archivio istituzionale della ricerca (Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna) · Brazil (Recife)
This study assessed heavy metal accumulation in an urban garden in Recife, Brazil, at varying distances from a high-traffic road. It found that increasing distance from the street decreased the accumulation of many potentially toxic elements. However, the study revealed a greater human health danger associated with the accumulation of antimony in lettuce, while concentrations of other elements in leaf tissues were within reported thresholds.
Contamination & food safetyHealthCommunityIDENTIFICATION OF LEAD AND CADMIUM LEVELS IN WHITE CABBAGE (Brassica rapa L.), SOIL, AND IRRIGATION WATER OF URBAN AGRICULTURAL SITES IN THE PHILIPPINES
2016Hardiyanto Hardiyanto, Constancio C. de Guzman · Indonesian Journal of Agricultural Science · Philippines (Metro Manila)
This study investigated the levels and distribution of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in white cabbage, soil, and irrigation water from urban agricultural sites in Las Piñas and Parañaque, Metro Manila, Philippines. Field areas were divided into three sections based on distance from the main road (0, 25, and 50 m), and metal contents were measured by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. The average Pb content (1.09 µg g-1 dry weight) in white cabbage was highest immediately beside the main road, with a similar trend in soil. A negative relationship was found between distance from the main road and Pb and Cd contents in white cabbage and soil. While overall concentrations of Pb and Cd in white cabbage, soil, and irrigation water were within acceptable limits, further study on heavy metal contamination in crops, especially those grown along main roads, was suggested.
Contamination & food safetyHealthOrganic cycleCommunityRecontamination Effect of Treated Wastewater on Prevalence of Intestinal Helminthes: Case Study on Vegetable Producers Groups in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso)
2016Noëllie W. Kpoda, Mariam Sou Dakouré, Boubacar Savadogo, Amadou H. Maïga, Jean-Noël Poda, G.B. Kabre · Journal of Water and Environment Technology · Burkina Faso (Ouagadougou)
This study in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, compared the parasitological characteristics of wastewater at a treatment plant's inlet and outlet, and in an open channel conveying treated wastewater to a garden site. Non-viable parasite cysts or eggs were found at the treatment plant, but viable parasite cysts and eggs were detected in the open channel. An epidemiological study demonstrated that open defecation by highly infected individuals within the garden site caused recontamination of the treated wastewater.
Contamination & food safetyHealthCommunityRisk Perceptions of Wastewater Use for Urban Agriculture in Accra, Ghana
2016Prince Antwi-Agyei, Anne Peasey, Adam Biran, Jane Bruce, Jeroen H. J. Ensink · PLoS ONE · Ghana (Accra)
This study, conducted from September 2012 to August 2013 with 490 respondents in Accra, Ghana, assessed knowledge and awareness of wastewater use in urban agriculture. It found low awareness of irrigation water sources among consumers and street food vendors, and low health risk awareness among farmers, despite high awareness among salespersons and consumers. Crucially, consumers did not prioritize health indicators when purchasing produce, and farmers' health risk awareness did not influence their adoption of safer practices.
Contamination & food safetyHealthCommunityHealth risk assessment of some heavy metals in urban community garden soils of Baghdad City, Iraq
2016Emad Abdulrahman Al-Heety, Kadhim H. Yassin, Safa Abd-Alsalaam · Human and Ecological Risk Assessment An International Journal · Iraq (Baghdad)
This study evaluated the health risk of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn) in soils from 14 urban community gardens in Baghdad City, Iraq. The non-carcinogenic hazard index (HI) was below the threshold (HI < 1), indicating no non-carcinogenic hazard. However, the carcinogenic risk index (RI) for Cd, Cr, and Ni exceeded the unacceptable threshold (RI < 1 × 10−4), demonstrating a serious carcinogenic risk for children and adults in the study area.
Contamination & food safetyHealthCommunityGrowing Gardens in Shrinking Cities: A Solution to the Soil Lead Problem?
2016Kirsten Schwarz, Bethany B. Cutts, Jonathan London, Mary L. Cadenasso · Sustainability · Global
This paper proposes reframing the issue of soil lead contamination and urban gardening in shrinking cities from a potential conflict to a potential solution. Many shrinking cities face high soil lead burdens from their industrial past and the historic use of lead-based paint and leaded gasoline, which is often seen as a barrier to urban agriculture. The paper argues that urban gardening can be a solution to the soil lead problem through soil management, including soil testing and the addition of amendments, and through social network and community building.
Contamination & food safetyCommunityHealthMedia Frames and Shifting Places of Environmental (In)Justice: A Qualitative Historical Geographic Information System Method
2016Bethany B. Cutts, Danqi Fang, Kaitlyn Hornik, Jonathan London, Kirsten Schwarz, Mary L. Cadenasso · Environmental Justice · United States (California)
This study introduced a Qualitative Historical Geographic Information System (QHGIS) method to investigate how newspapers reflect changing meanings of place in relation to environmental burden and benefit. Applying QHGIS to urban gardening and soil lead issues reported in Sacramento, California, the method revealed the distribution of public narratives of environmental concern across the city, the politics embedded in location names, place name-changes, and how locations serve as framing devices for environmental concerns.
Contamination & food safetyCommunityHealthPolicyUsing Community-Based Participatory Research to Explore Backyard Gardening Practices and Soil Lead Concentrations in Urban Neighborhoods
2016Sheri L. Johnson, Dalila Cardona, J. H. C. Davis, Benjamin Gramling, Chelsea Hamilton, Ray G. Hoffmann, Sabrina J. Ruis, Douglas J. Soldat, Steve Ventura, Yan Ke · Progress in community health partnerships · Global
This study used community-based participatory research to explore backyard gardening practices and soil lead concentrations in urban neighborhoods. Interviews with 20 adult gardeners revealed perceived benefits but few initial concerns about lead exposure, despite children's active involvement. Soil lead concentrations from 17 residential properties ranged from 7 to 3,234 mg kg-1, significantly higher than commercial soils (6 to 13 mg kg-1), indicating a contamination risk.
Contamination & food safetyHealthCommunityFood educationVancouver community gardeners perceptions on soil health and contamination
2015Jason Murillo, Environmental Health BCIT School of Health Sciences, Bobby Sidhu · BCIT Environmental Public Health Journal · Canada (Vancouver)
An online survey of 101 community gardeners from 23 community gardens in Vancouver, Canada, investigated perceptions of soil health and contamination. The study found no association between soil testing and garden location, nor between garden location and gardeners' confidence in soil safety. Despite potential health concerns from contaminated soil, community gardeners refrained from soil testing and remained confident in their soil's safety, indicating a gap in safety standards.
Contamination & food safetyCommunityHealthTrace Metal Contamination in New York City Garden Soils
2015Zhongqi Cheng, Anna Paltseva, Ireyena Li, Tatiana Morin, Hermine Huot, Sara Perl Egendorf, Zulema Su, Roxanne Yolanda, Kishan Singh, Leda Lee, Michael Grinshtein, Ying Liu, Kayo Green, Win Wai, Bushra Wazed, Richard K. Shaw · Soil Science · United States (New York City)
This study analyzed trace metal concentrations (Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Pb) in 1,652 soil samples from 904 gardens in New York City. It found that many soils exceeded New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's Soil Cleanup Objective (SCO) limits for Pb, Cr, As, and Cd. Specifically, about 21% of community garden samples and 71% of home garden samples exceeded SCO limits for Pb and As, and less than 3% of all samples met criteria for unrestricted use.
Contamination & food safetyHealthCommunityDIYAgriculture urbaine et enjeux de santé
2015Christine Aubry, Jeanne Pourias, Anne Cécile Daniel · HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe) · Global
Urban agriculture is gaining popularity, often for its contribution to urban greening, re-establishing connections between urban dwellers and agricultural and food production, and among urban dwellers themselves. However, urban agriculture also involves significant health issues, which advocate for urban planning that promotes its maintenance or establishment under healthy environmental conditions.
Contamination & food safetyHealthPolicyCommunityUrban Community Gardeners' Knowledge and Perceptions of Soil Contaminant Risks
2014Brent F. Kim, Melissa N. Poulsen, Jared D. Margulies, Katie L. Dix, Anne Palmer, Keeve E. Nachman · PLoS ONE · United States (Baltimore, Maryland)
This study characterized urban community gardeners' knowledge and perceptions of soil contaminant risks in Baltimore, Maryland, United States, through surveys with 70 gardeners from 15 gardens and interviews with 18 key informants. It found low levels of concern and inconsistent knowledge regarding heavy metal and organic chemical contaminants among gardeners. Furthermore, barriers to investigating garden site history and conducting soil tests, along with limited knowledge of best practices for reducing exposure, were identified.
Contamination & food safetyCommunityHealthPolicyIrrigated vegetable farming in urban Ghana: a farming system between challenges and resilience
2014Pay Drechsel, Andrew Adam‐Bradford, Liqa Raschid-Sally, Drechsel, Pay, Adam-Bradford, A., Raschid-Sally, Liqa · AgEcon Search (University of Minnesota, USA) · Ghana
This chapter introduces urbanization in West Africa, particularly Ghana, the general role of urban agriculture, and the common use of polluted irrigation water. It focuses on irrigated smallholder vegetable production, reflecting on the key challenges, dynamics, and resilience of this farming system.
Contamination & food safetyCommunityHealthEconomicsPeri-urban agricultureAssessment of the Microbiological Quality of Vegetable from Urban Community Gardens in Korea
2014Jin‐Won Kim, In‐Wook Choi, Won-Seok Na, Enkhjargar Baljii, Yong-Man Yu, Young Nam Youn, Young‐Ha Lee · Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety · South Korea (Seoul)
From September to October 2012, 530 samples of nine vegetable types were collected from 11 urban community gardens in Seoul to assess their microbiological quality. Mean total aerobic bacteria and coliforms were detected at 6.3 log CFU/g and 4.3 log CFU/g, respectively, with coliforms found in 67% of samples and E. coli in 2.3%. While foodborne pathogens were not detected, the presence of coliforms and E. coli indicates room for improvement in microbiological safety.
Contamination & food safetyCommunityHealthHarmony Park: A Decision Case on Gardening on a Brownfield Site
2014Ashley S. Harms, DeAnn Presley, Ganga M. Hettiarachchi, Chammi P. Attanayake, Sabine Martin, Steven J. Thien · Natural sciences education · United States (Kansas City)
This case study examines the decision faced by Mr. John Holloway in Harmony Park, Kansas City, MO, regarding establishing a community garden on a vacant brownfield site in 2009. Concerns arose about soil contaminants on the site, leading to a dilemma about the potential harm versus benefits of gardening in a food desert. The case requires students to evaluate environmental, agronomic, human health, social, and economic issues related to urban soil contamination.
Contamination & food safetyCommunityHealth