Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
37 results(1 / 2)
Geo-AI Ensemble Modeling Framework for Assessing Groundwater Contamination Under Anthropogenic Pressures in an Extensive Peri-Urban Agricultural Aquifer to Support Sustainable Groundwater Management
2026Mohamed Haythem Msaddek, Mohsen Ben Alaya, Lahcen Zouhri, Yahya Moumni, Bilel Abdelkarim · Water · Global
This study developed a Geo-AI ensemble modeling framework to assess groundwater contamination dynamics in peri-urban agricultural aquifers. Applied to the Manouba aquifer in Tunisia using 295 samples from 85 wells (2005-2025), the spatial analysis revealed severe contamination expanded from 7% of the study area in 2005 to 55% in 2025. Urban expansion and agricultural intensification were found to reduce recharge, increase pollutant loading, and accelerate contaminant accumulation.
Contamination & food safetyClimate changePeri-urban agricultureWastewater reuse in urbanperi-urban agriculture of Dakar: Salmonella species contamination in water and market garden produce
2026Ndiaye Awa, Diallo Ibrahima, Dieng Amadou, Ba Ibrahima, Sembene Mbacke · African Journal of Environmental Science and Technology · Senegal
This study in Dakar, Senegal, assessed Salmonella contamination in irrigation water and lettuce across three urban agricultural sites. Sites using wastewater (Pikine and Patte d’Oie) showed high Salmonella prevalence in water (70-90%) and vegetables (20-80%), while a tap water site (Lendeng) had no contamination. Market-sourced lettuce also tested positive (28.57%), indicating public health risks from untreated wastewater use.
Contamination & food safetyHealthPeri-urban agricultureOrganic cycleUsage de pesticides interdits et non homologués en maraîchage périurbain à Kinshasa : cas de Kimwenza et Ndjili Cecomaf
2026Réné Kasende Disashi, Belloty Mundadi Ngeteke, Dorcas Sola Tabitha, Prescilia Mabubu Pembe, Fanny BAKOMBA KIKOBO, Denise OKITO WIKANU, Esther MPIANA MUKANIA, Sarah Kinsona Bombili, Esther Kimpala Karuna, Clément Munganga Kilingwa, Rosie Mubindukila Nzamba · European Scientific Journal ESJ · Congo (Kinshasa)
A study conducted from June 10 to July 20, 2025, in peri-urban market gardens of Kimwenza and Ndjili Cecomaf in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, surveyed 68 market gardeners on the use of prohibited and unauthorized pesticides. The findings revealed an alarming reliance on informal supply channels, with six out of 27 identified pesticides being formally prohibited. Despite 94.3% of gardeners acknowledging risks, only 9.6% used full protective equipment, and 32.7% took no precautions.
Contamination & food safetyPeri-urban agricultureHealthPolicyFruit-waste biochar for immobilizing potentially toxic elements in contaminated agricultural soils and reducing vegetable-related human health risks: A systematic review.
2026Nelson Joseph Msacky, Amelia Alfred, Oscar Punguti, Edson Protas, Iddi Mapande, Novatus, Shukrani Phillip, January G Msemakweli · Open MIND · Global
This systematic review aims to synthesize current scientific evidence on the effectiveness of fruit-waste-derived biochar in immobilizing potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in contaminated agricultural soils. It will evaluate how fruit-waste biochar reduces metal bioavailability, plant uptake, and associated human health risks from vegetable consumption. The review also seeks to identify which fruit wastes are used as biochar feedstocks and which biochar properties and production conditions influence immobilization performance, noting that existing research is fragmented.
Contamination & food safetyCompostOrganic cycleHealthPeri-urban agricultureExfoliating microplastics intensifies heavy metal uptake and physiological stress in wastewater-irrigated chili plants
2026Hajra Kanwal, Qudrat Ullah, Waqas Haider, Mujahid Farid, Zaki Ul Zaman Asam, Muhammad Zubair, Abdulrahman Alasmari, Sarah Owdah Alomrani, Muhammad Munir, Shafaqat Ali · Open MIND · Global
This study investigated the interactive effects of contaminated wastewater with cadmium, mercury, lead, and polyethylene microplastics from exfoliating personal care products on chili plants (Capsicum annuum). Plant growth parameters were reduced by 71–82% at high wastewater and microplastic levels, accompanied by significant losses in photosynthetic pigments and soluble proteins. Oxidative stress markers increased by 124–230%, and heavy metal uptake was significantly increased, facilitated by microplastics.
Contamination & food safetyPeri-urban agricultureHealthCONTRIBUTION TO KNOWLEDGE ON THE CONTAMINATION OF BRS LEILA LETTUCE (L. SATIVA) BY LITHIUM CARBONATE (LI₂CO₃)
2025Paula Marques Crelier, Manoel Jerônimo Moreira Cruz, Danusia Ferreira Lima · Seven Editora eBooks · Global
A controlled laboratory experiment cultivated BRS Leila lettuce (L. sativa) in samples contaminated with lithium carbonate (Li₂CO₃) at concentrations of 150 and 200 mol/L. The study found that lithium correlates with other alkaline and alkaline earth elements in the leaves and roots of the lettuce. This indicates a contamination pathway where lithium is absorbed by the plant.
Contamination & food safetyCommunityHealthPeri-urban agriculturePRODUÇÃO DE PROTEÍNA ANIMAL EM ÁREA URBANA E PERIURBANA (AUP): VIABILIDADE E SEGURANÇA ALIMENTAR
2024José Luis Chaves, Alexandre Boleira Lopo, G. M. OLIVEIRA, J. F. ARAÚJO, Luciano Sérgio Ventin Bomfim, J. A. CASTRO · Editora Científica Digital eBooks · Global
This systematic review investigated the viability of animal production in urban and peri-urban agriculture as a tool for food security, using the PRISMA methodology. The review found that while this practice offers benefits like domestic food security and income generation, it also presents negative aspects such as odors, noise, and the transmission of zoonoses. Public policies are needed to regulate the activity and minimize health risks.
Contamination & food safetyPeri-urban agricultureFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsPolicyChallenges of Urban Agricultural Production from the Aspects of Plant Protection and Food Safety
2024Dragana Šunjka, Sanja Lazić, Slavica Vuković, Siniša Berjan, Hamid El Bilali · · Serbia
This chapter examines the food safety of urban agriculture systems in the Republic of Serbia through selected case studies. It highlights that agricultural products from urban production may be contaminated by polluted soil, water, and air, as well as by pesticides, heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants, nitrate and nitrite, and mycotoxins. The study emphasizes the need for strict control and reduction of synthetic pesticides and other agrochemicals in urban agriculture.
Contamination & food safetyHealthPeri-urban agricultureDIYImpact of Irrigation Water on the Bacteriological Quality of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) in the Market Garden Zone of Niamey, Identification of Enterobacteria
2024Almou Abdoulaye Alio, Alio Sanda Abdel-Kader, Alio Fody Mahamadou, Chaibou Yaou, Rabiou Mamane Moustapha, Hamidou Djelifa, SOUMANA SOUROUNDA Idé, Mahamane Idi Issa Abdoulahi, Lewamy Mamadou, Haoua Sabo Seini, Hassimi Sadou · Asian Journal of Biology · Niger (Niamey)
This study assessed the impact of irrigation water on the bacteriological quality of lettuce in three market garden sites in Niamey, Niger. Analysis of 18 lettuce and 29 irrigation water samples revealed high contamination across all sites with various bacteria, including total coliforms, fecal coliforms, enterobacteria, and E. coli. The irrigation water quality was found unsuitable for irrigation, significantly contaminating the lettuce and posing potential health risks to consumers.
Contamination & food safetyHealthPeri-urban agricultureA growing concern: investigating sustainable water quality and urban food production in Freetown, Sierra Leone
2024Lee D. Bryant, Roy Maconachie, Bastian Schnabel, Abubakarr Swaray, Howard Gigi, Solomon Gbanie, Kabba Haroun Bangura, Anthony Kamara, Prince Antwi-Agyei · Water Science & Technology Water Supply · Sierra Leone (Freetown)
This paper examined the environmental health status of three urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) sites in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Qualitative and quantitative data revealed heavy metal concentrations significantly exceeding regulatory limits in sweet potato leaves and arable soil. Additionally, soaring levels of faecal coliform bacteria were found in irrigation water, and crops were identified as hyperaccumulators for environmental contaminants.
Contamination & food safetyHealthPeri-urban agricultureFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsPotential And Need of Urban Horticulture for A Sustainable Future
2023Mansi I. Bhati and R.K. Dubey · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Global
Urban horticulture, a new concept for growing family-sufficient food in urban and peri-urban areas, is gaining importance. However, environmental challenges for urban farming in urban environments include soil contamination, micro-climate alteration and air pollution, and contaminated water resources. Appropriate guidelines for urban and peri-urban agricultural practices are required.
Contamination & food safetyDIYPeri-urban agricultureClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceVertical Transfer of Bacteriological and Parasitological Pollutants from Irrigation Water to Soil and Crops
2022Jihan Faouzi, Imane Bedoui, Sanae Rezouki, Tarik Moubchir, Aimad Allali, Noureddine Eloutassi, Amal Lahkimi · Ecological Engineering & Environmental Technology · Morocco (Fez)
This study in Fez, Morocco, compared bacteriological and parasitological contamination in urban, peri-urban, and rural irrigation waters, and their transfer to soil and crops (cardoon and eggplant). Investigated microorganisms included total and thermotolerant coliforms, helminth eggs, Salmonella, and cholera vibrio. Results revealed contamination exceeding national and international standards for both types of coliforms in treated wastewater (TWW), wastewater (WW), Oued Fez water, and upstream well water in both winter and summer. This fecal contamination was found in soils and crops irrigated by urban and peri-urban water. Helminth eggs and cholera vibrio were also present in these waters, soils, and crops, with Salmonella detected in TWW in summer. Only the plot irrigated with Oued Bitit water in the rural zone met standards across all three levels of irrigated water, soil, and plants, and in both periods.
Contamination & food safetyHealthOrganic cyclePeri-urban agricultureWater quality indicators of the Nima Creek, and potential for sustainable urban agriculture in Ghana
2021Shwan Mohammed, P. K. Nyade, Mohamad Abdulhamid, I. O. A. Hodgson · Water Science · Ghana (Accra)
This study assessed urban water quality parameters of the Nima Creek in Southeastern Accra, Ghana, sampling water from six locations. The results showed high enrichment of nutrients (ammonia, nitrate, phosphate) and elevated levels of BOD, COD, and grease at sites receiving solid and liquid wastes. Physicochemical parameters like conductivity, TSS, and TDS also exhibited elevated values, indicating significant contamination that poses challenges for sustainable urban agriculture.
Contamination & food safetyHealthPeri-urban agricultureThe 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 agricultureHealthCommunityContamination of toxic metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in rooftop vegetables and human health risks in Bangladesh
2020Tanmoy Roy Tusher, Md. Eusuf Sarker, Sumaya Nasrin, Tapos Kormoker, Ram Proshad, Md. Saiful Islam, Shamim Al Mamun, A. R. M. Tareq · Toxin Reviews · Bangladesh
This study investigated toxic metal and PAH contamination in rooftop soils and vegetables (red amaranth, spinach) in urban and peri-urban Bangladesh. Urban rooftop soil and vegetables were highly contaminated with toxic metals and PAHs compared to peri-urban samples. Lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) concentrations in urban vegetables exceeded safe limits. However, health risk indices indicated that the levels of toxic metals and PAHs in urban rooftop vegetables would not pose carcinogenic or non-carcinogenic health risks for adults and children, deeming them safe for consumption.
Contamination & food safetyHealthPeri-urban agricultureEvaluation of the irrigation water quality and cropped area of shrinking peri‐urban agriculture in the Gadap Basin, Karachi: An application of Wilcox's classification and geospatial techniques*
2020Razzaq Ahmed, Shaukat Khan, Khalida Mahmood, Ahsanullah · Irrigation and Drainage · Pakistan (Karachi)
Agricultural activities in the Gadap Basin, Karachi, Pakistan, showed a declining trend over two decades from 1997 to 2016. Analysis of 13 irrigation water samples revealed that water quality had severely degraded, with sodium concentration substantially increasing, especially near sand and gravel excavation sites. While 100% of samples were suitable for irrigation in 1997, this dropped to almost 50% by 2016, and SAR also decreased, indicating irrigation water quality degradation. Satellite imagery further showed a 60% decline and degradation of agricultural land in the basin during the same period.
Contamination & food safetyPeri-urban agricultureClimate changePollutants in Urban Agriculture
2019Camille Dumat, Antoine Pierart, Muhammad Shahid, Sana Khalid · · Global
Urban agriculture, while a strategy for sustainable food production, faces a serious threat from natural and anthropogenic pollution sources in urban and peri-urban environments. These sources release hazardous organic and inorganic contaminants, leading to a high likelihood of human exposure. Consumption of vegetables grown on polluted urban soils or those that have intercepted metal-rich atmospheric particles represents a potential route of pollutant exposure and human health hazard.
Contamination & food safetyHealthPeri-urban agricultureThe potential for heavy metal pollution in crops from urban and peri urban horticultural farms in the Gaborone environs: a review
2019L.C. Obuseng · Botswana Journal of Agriculture and Applied Sciences · Botswana (Gaborone)
This review highlights the potential for heavy metal accumulation in soil and crops from urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) around Gaborone, Botswana, due to the intensive use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, wastewater, sludges, and industrial effluents. A literature review showed that fertilizers contain heavy metals, and the use of treated or untreated sewage water by UPA farmers can lead to heavy metal accumulation in soil and crops, posing a danger to human health. Information on heavy metal accumulation in soils is limited in Botswana, despite high agrochemical use in UPA vegetable production.
Contamination & food safetyHealthPeri-urban agricultureOrganic cycleSoil Properties on Farmers’ Fields Amended with Untreated Solid Urban Wastes in Ouagadougou Peri-urban Area, Burkina Faso
2018P.S. Bouda, Edmond Hien, A. Dioma, Hyacinthe Kambiré, Yacouba Maïga, Der Adolphe Somé, Sylvie Nazaret, A.S. Ouattara · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · Burkina Faso
A study in Ouagadougou sub-urban agricultural fields, Burkina Faso, assessed the impact of using untreated Solid Urban Wastes (SUW) as agricultural fertilizers on soil properties and crop production. SUW amendment significantly increased pH, total C, N, P, and available P, and maize height and biomass yield were 124% and 164% higher in amended plots, respectively. However, trace metal elements (Cu, Zn, Pb, Ni, Cr) concentrations were higher in amended fields, indicating that urban waste carries contaminants posing public health risks.
Contamination & food safetyOrganic cycleHealthPeri-urban agricultureMonitoring of heavy metal residues in cauliflower and their respective health hazards
2017Muhammad Asif Khan Rai Muhammad Amir · International Journal of Biosciences (IJB) · Pakistan (Faisalabad)
To investigate heavy metal residue levels in cauliflower grown in the peri-urban area of Faisalabad district, Pakistan, 30 cauliflower samples were collected from 10 selected farmers. Analysis revealed variable heavy metal residue levels (nickel, lead, zinc, copper, arsenic, and mercury) in the samples, indicating that the cauliflower was contaminated with multiple heavy metals. This contamination is attributed to the use of untreated sewage water for cultivation, which is the single largest contributor to heavy metal accumulation in cauliflower.
Contamination & food safetyHealthPeri-urban agricultureFood sovereignty & justiceHeavy Metal Status in Urban and Peri-Urban Wetland Soils under Vegetable Cultivation in the Bamenda Municipality Cameroon
2016Godswill Azinwie Asongwe, Bernard Palmer Kfuban Yerima · Greener Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition · Cameroon (Bamenda)
This study analyzed heavy metal levels (chromium, manganese, lead, cadmium) in 21 urban and peri-urban agricultural wetland soil samples in Bamenda municipality, Cameroon. Average concentrations were 35.73 mg/kg for chromium, 0.08 mg/kg for manganese, 30.64 mg/kg for lead, and 0.45 mg/kg for cadmium. These concentrations were generally lower than the maximum WHO permissible levels.
Contamination & food safetyHealthPeri-urban agricultureOrganic cycleHeavy Metal Toxicity in Wastewater Irrigated Peri-Urban Agricultural Areas of Lahore, Pakistan; a Case Study
2016Mujtaba Baqar, Nadia Jamil, Naveed Ahsan, Kiran Khanum, Abdul Qadir, Mariyam Zameer, Anam Khalid · Transylvanian Review · Pakistan (Lahore)
This case study investigated the impacts of heavy metals from wastewater irrigation on soil, groundwater, and leafy vegetables (Indian mustard, spinach, fodder) in the Charrar Drain catchment, Lahore, Pakistan. Samples were collected from seven sites. Drain water showed Cd, Cr, and Pb concentrations exceeding limits at most sites, and groundwater Cd concentrations also exceeded limits, though Cr and Pb were within permissible ranges. Soil samples contained Cd, Cr, and Pb, and leafy vegetables irrigated with wastewater showed varying heavy metal concentrations, indicating a heavy metal bioaccumulation issue that may exceed threshold limits.
Contamination & food safetyHealthPeri-urban agricultureOrganic cycleUrban Market Gardening and Rodent-Borne Pathogenic Leptospira in Arid Zones: A Case Study in Niamey, Niger
2015Gauthier Dobigny, Madougou Garba, Caroline Tatard, Anne Loiseau, Maxime Galan, Ibrahima Kadaouré, Jean‐Pierre Rossi, Mathieu Picardeau, Eric Bertherat · PLoS neglected tropical diseases · Niger
An extensive survey of urban rodents in Niamey, Niger, investigated the presence and distribution of rodent-borne pathogenic Leptospira species. Leptospires were not detected in the core city, but L. kirschneri was found in Arvicanthis niloticus and Cricetomys gambianus, rodent species restricted to irrigated cultures within the city. This study indicates the importance of market gardening in the maintenance and circulation of leptospirosis within Sahelian cities.
Contamination & food safetyHealthPeri-urban agriculturePesticide Misuse in Rural-Urban Agriculture: A Case Study of Vegetable Production in Tano South of Ghana
2015Emmanuel Yennumi Wandaat, Joseph Xorse Kugbe · Asian Journal of Agriculture and Food Sciences · Ghana
A study on vegetable production in Ghana's Tano South District surveyed 132 urban farmers and 5 stakeholders. Farmers relied solely on chemical pesticides for pest control and lacked in-depth knowledge of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Inappropriate handling and non-use of protective clothing led farmers to report health issues like dizziness, skin irritation, and nausea, while indiscriminate spraying resulted in pesticide residues posing serious health risks to consumers and the environment.
Contamination & food safetyHealthFood educationPeri-urban agricultureFarmers perception on excreta reuse for peri-urban agriculture in southern Ghana
2014Nimoh Fred, Ohene-Yankyera Kwasi, Poku Kofi, Konradsen Flemming, Claude-François Robert · Journal of Development and Agricultural Economics · Ghana
A study in Ghana's Shai-Osudoku district investigated farmers' attitudes toward excreta reuse for peri-urban agriculture, surveying 400 randomly selected respondents. A majority of respondents disagreed that excreta are waste and were willing to use them as fertilizer. However, a majority also agreed that excreta can pose health risks, and perceptions on reuse differed among households.
Contamination & food safetyPeri-urban agricultureOrganic cycleHealth