Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
16 results
Early Detection of Escherichia coli Producing Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase (ESBL) in Cattle Farm Waste from Urban Jakarta
2026Aulia Maulida, Syafitri Jumianto, Riris Lindiawati Puspitasari, S.Si., M.Si · Prosiding Seminar Nasional Pemberdayaan Masyarakat (SENDAMAS) · Indonesia (Jakarta)
This study examined cattle manure from an urban farm in South Jakarta for the presence of Escherichia coli resistant to third-generation cephalosporins. Using total plate count, selective culture, Gram staining, and biochemical identification, presumptive ESBL-producing E. coli strains were detected. Bacterial growth on cefotaxime-supplemented media indicated phenotypic resistance, demonstrating that urban cattle manure may serve as a reservoir of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Contamination & food safetyHealthOrganic cycleHeavy metal contamination and remediation strategies in peri-urban agricultural soils
2025Laxman Barua, YOGITA ADHIKARI, Kuldeep Naik · International Journal of Agriculture and Nutrition · India (Prayagraj)
This research assessed heavy metal concentrations in agricultural soils near the Naini industrial area in Prayagraj, India, and evaluated remediation strategies. Lead and cadmium concentrations at 0.5 km from the industrial zone exceeded Indian permissible limits (Pb: 67.8 mg/kg vs 50 mg/kg; Cd: 6.4 mg/kg vs 5 mg/kg). A pot trial showed that Brassica juncea removed 34.7% of Pb and 41.2% of Cd, while lime + biochar reduced Pb by 52.4%. A combined approach reduced bioavailable Pb to below the permissible limit.
Contamination & food safetyPeri-urban agricultureHealthOrganic cycleThe Extraction and Characterization of Microplastics of Biocompost and Water Samples Collected from the Different Semi-Urban Agronurseries
2024Roopika Sivaraman, Haritha Thulaseedharan Nair, Sharmila Krishnan, Perumal Siddhuraju · Soil and Sediment Contamination An International Journal · India (Coimbatore)
This study analyzed biocompost and water samples from four agricultural nurseries in semi-urban Coimbatore, India, for microplastic contamination using density separation and ATR-FTIR. While physicochemical properties met Indian standards, microplastic fragments (85%) and fibers (15%) were found in two biocompost samples (BC-B and BC-C), identifying PMMA, PP, and EVA polymers. No microplastics were detected in samples BC-A and BC-D, but the findings suggest semi-urban agricultural gardening may contribute to microplastic accumulation in terrestrial environments, potentially harming soil and plant health.
Contamination & food safetyCompostOrganic cycleHealthInvestigating Heavy Metal Contamination Extent of Soil and Plant from Urban Gardens in Jinju
2023Myeong Seok Jeong, Mina Lee, Chaw Su Lwin, Kwon-Rae Kim · 한국토양비료학회지 · Korea (Jinju)
This study investigated heavy metal concentrations in soil and crop leaves from 23 urban gardens in Jinju, Korea, to assess suitability for cultivation. While average concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn generally did not exceed Korean guidelines, the Geoaccumulation Index indicated ongoing contamination by Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn. A significant amount of Pb was introduced into some soils from the atmosphere, and continuous monitoring for heavy metals in urban garden soils is required for food safety.
Contamination & food safetyHealthCommunityOrganic cycleInvestigation of Heavy Metals in the Urban Agricultural Soils Near Railway and Industrial Complex in Jinju, Gyeongsangnam-do
2022Myeong Suck Jeong, Mina Lee, Chaw Su Lwin, Kwon-Rae Kim · 한국토양비료학회지 · South Korea
This study investigated heavy metal contamination in urban agricultural soils near railway tracks and an industrial complex in Jinju, South Korea, to ensure food safety. While the average heavy metal values did not exceed soil contamination guidelines, some individual soil samples showed concentrations higher than the guidelines. Furthermore, the geoaccumulation index (Igeo) indicated that several soils were contaminated compared to background levels, with Cu, Pb, Zn, and Sb showing the highest contamination. Long-term monitoring of urban vegetable garden soils is recommended.
Contamination & food safetyHealthCommunityOrganic cycleEffects of Partial Organic Substitution for Chemical Fertilizer on Antibiotic Residues in Peri-Urban Agricultural Soil in China
2021Dong BaoCheng, Wei Li, Wenyong Xu · Antibiotics · China
A field experiment in peri-urban agricultural soil in China investigated the effects of partially substituting chemical fertilizer with organic fertilizers like pig manure and sewage sludge on soil quality and antibiotic residues. Organic substitution significantly increased residual antibiotic levels in agricultural soil, with antibiotic sequestration rising by 138.1~332.5%. This indicated that organic fertilizers can promote antibiotic persistence in soil by modifying soil quality, demonstrating a contamination risk.
Contamination & food safetyOrganic cycleClimate changePeri-urban agricultureImpact of Wastewater-Irrigated Urban Agriculture on Diarrhea Incidence in Ahmedabad, India
2018Timo Falkenberg, Deepak Saxena · Indian Journal of Community Medicine · India (Ahmedabad)
A 12-month case-cohort study of 187 households in four communities of Ahmedabad, India, purposively selected by irrigation water type (groundwater, surface water, wastewater), with bimonthly self-reported health diaries and most-probable-number measurement of Escherichia coli in water. Mean E. coli concentrations per 100 mL were 3.04×10^4 (groundwater), 9.28×10^5 (surface water) and 4.02×10^9 (wastewater) — all exceeding international irrigation water standards. Diarrhoea incidence was 7.92 episodes per 1000 person-weeks in the groundwater area versus 13.1 (wastewater) and 13.4 (surface water), with a positive correlation between irrigation water quality and diarrhoea. Wastewater reuse is often promoted as a water-scarcity fix for urban agriculture; this study shows it carries a health cost borne by the farming households themselves.
Contamination & food safetyHealthOrganic cycleImpact of Long-Term Application of Patranala Sewage on Carbon Sequestration and Heavy Metal Accumulation in Soils
2018M. L. Dotaniya, V. D. Meena, S. Rajendiran, M. Vassanda Coumar, Asha Sahu, J. K. Saha, S. Kundu, Hiranmoy Das, A. K. Patra · Journal of the Indian Society of Soil Science · India (Bhopal)
A case study in peri-urban agricultural lands near Patranala, Bhopal, India, investigated the impact of over 50 years of untreated sewage water irrigation on soil properties. Findings showed higher concentrations of heavy metals in surface soils of sewage-irrigated fields, posing a major concern. Conversely, soil microbial population, enzymatic activities, and organic carbon content were also higher, indicating enhanced carbon sequestration.
Contamination & food safetyPeri-urban agricultureHealthClimate changeOrganic cycleResistensi Azotobacter terhadap HgCl2 yang Berpotensi Menghasilkan Enzim Merkuri Reduktase
2014Anjar Lulu Sakinah, Enny Zulaika · Jurnal Sains dan Seni ITS · Indonesia
This study aimed to isolate Azotobacter strains from the Eco Urban Farming ITS land in Indonesia that are resistant to HgCl2 and potentially produce mercury reductase enzymes. Ten HgCl2-resistant Azotobacter isolates were obtained, with isolates A5, A6, and A9 showing the highest resistance at 20 mg/L HgCl2. Isolates A5 and A9 were identified as having the potential to produce mercury reductase enzymes.
Contamination & food safetyOrganic cycleProperties and Heavy Metal Contents of Urban Agricultural Soils in Seoul
2011Hyuck-Soo Kim, Young‐Nam Kim, Jin‐Won Kim, Kye-Hoon Kim · 한국토양비료학회지 · South Korea (Seoul)
This study investigated the properties and total and phytoavailable contents of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn) in 21 urban agricultural soils in Seoul, South Korea. The total heavy metal concentrations in the examined urban agricultural soils were found to be lower than the warning levels for area 1 according to the Soil Environmental Conservation Act of Korea. Phytoavailable-Cu, -Pb, and -Zn concentrations were also reported as 0.02-0.28, N.D-0.09, and 0.01-0.43 mg/kg, respectively.
Contamination & food safetyHealthOrganic cycleCharacteristics of Phosphorus Non-point Source Pollution on Groundwater in Urban Agricultural Region of Shanghai
2010Zhou Pei · · China (Shanghai)
A study conducted in Orchard Village, Nanhui District, Shanghai, from July to September 2009, investigated the effects of phosphorus non-point source pollution on groundwater in an urban agricultural region. Total phosphorus concentrations averaged 1.31 mg/L and phosphate concentrations averaged 0.42 mg/L, with phosphate significantly exceeding the V class surface water standard (0.4 mg/L), rendering the water unsuitable for drinking. Phosphorus non-point source transport was linked to land-use types, with phosphorus content near orchards changing with increased rainfall, and farmland phosphorus loss accelerating with runoff, fertilization, and water leach.
Contamination & food safetyHealthOrganic cycleNon-point Source Pollution of Nitrogen in Groundwater in Urban Agricultural Region of Shanghai and Risk Assessment
2010Zhou Pei · · China (Shanghai)
A study from July to September 2009 in an orchard village, Nanhui District, Shanghai, investigated the characteristics of non-point source nitrogen pollution in groundwater. Total nitrogen and its three forms (NO3-N, NH4-N, NO2-N) were monitored, revealing NO3-N as the main form (average 1.43-13.71 mg/L). Nitrogen pollution in groundwater depended on land use, with NH4-N pollution most serious under residential areas (average 0.074-0.457 mg/L). Total nitrogen pollution near the river and orchard (average 33.67-62.57 mg/L and 33.05-65.04 mg/L) was more severe than under residential areas.
Contamination & food safetyOrganic cycleUrban–rural linkagePengendalian Penyakit Sayuran Yang Ditanam Dengan Sistem Budidaya Mosaik Pada Pertanian Periurban
2008Euis Suryaningsih · Jurnal Hortikultura · Indonesia (Bandung)
From January to July 2001, a field experiment on vegetable disease control in a mosaic farming system in periurban agriculture was conducted at a farmer's field in Rancaekek, Bandung, Indonesia. Treatments included white plastic net cages, biorational pesticides, Bacillus subtilis, a mixture of Mancozeb and Bacillus subtilis, and an unsprayed control. All tested alternative control methods were very effective against major diseases of chili pepper, shallot, eggplant, beans, and cucumber, but the use of poisonous synthetic pesticides in periurban agriculture increases the likelihood of contaminating humans and the environment.
Contamination & food safetyPeri-urban agricultureHealthOrganic cycleHelminth infections among people using wastewater and human excreta in peri‐urban agriculture and aquaculture in Hanoi, Vietnam
2007Do Thuy Trang, Kåre Mølbak, Phung Dac Cam, Anders Dalsgaard · Tropical Medicine & International Health · Vietnam (Hanoi)
A cross-sectional study in a peri-urban area of Hanoi, Vietnam, surveyed 400 agricultural households and examined 807 stool samples from 620 adults and 187 children for helminth infections. The study found that 39% of samples were infected with helminths, with Ascaris sp. at 21.6%, Trichuris sp. at 9.8%, and hookworm at 21.8%. Wastewater exposure was not a major risk, but lack of sanitation facilities and use of fresh or inadequately composted human excreta in agriculture were important risk factors for infection.
Contamination & food safetyHealthOrganic cyclePeri-urban agricultureAssessment of Wastewater Generation, Management Pattern and Its Re-use Potential In Urban India
2004R. B. Singh · IAHS-AISH publication · India
A study on wastewater management in 300 class-I cities and 23 metropolitan cities in India found that the total wastewater generated is approximately 158x10^8 l/day, with treatment capacity being only 375x10^7 l/day. In metropolitan cities, only 30% of wastewater is treated before disposal, and most cities only have primary treatment facilities. Untreated water is being used for urban agriculture, posing risks to public health and potential surface and groundwater pollution.
Contamination & food safetyOrganic cycleHealthUrban agriculture between allotment and market gardening: contributions to the sustainability of African and Asian cities
2002L.M. van den Berg · WIT transactions on ecology and the environment · Africa, Asia
Urban agriculture, despite severe competition for space, plays roles such as fresh food supply, leisure, supplementary income for the urban poor, and green space management. Case studies in Africa and Southeast Asia demonstrate the difficulty of maintaining these roles due to public health and environmental degradation concerns. Urban agricultural producers may rely on polluted streams for irrigation, cause soil erosion through inappropriate farming techniques, or poison surrounding residents with pesticides. The paper suggests that urban agriculture could be more beneficial to the urban system if treated by town planners as a normal urban function requiring both regulation and protection.
Contamination & food safetyEconomicsHealthOrganic cyclePolicy