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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Introduction & Purpose: The concept of urban agriculture has been linked to food security and mental well-being. However, concerns have been raised regarding urban-grown produce, as urban environments may pose unique challenges to maintaining food safety. This systematic review aims to evaluate the current state of knowledge regarding the food safety of urban farm products. Results: Microbiological Contamination: All microbiological studies reported a significant presence of fecal microorganisms (>7.01 log10CFU/mL). Commonly found microorganisms included several pathogenic organisms. Contamination was observed in compost, and/or untreated irrigation water, with the latter often considered the primary source of contamination. Vegetables were commonly contaminated with food borne pathogens Presence of Pollutants: Soil contamination with heavy metals is common, including Lead (n=6), Cadmium (n=3), Cadmium, Chromium and Copper (n=2). Widespread soil pollution with these elements. The presence of Pb usually often occurs alongside the presence of cadmium and zinc, suggesting a common source of pollution contributing to excessive contamination. Geographic distribution of analysis: Five out of six PTE analysis were conducted in western cities. All but one of the microbiological analysis were conducted in emerging economies. This distribution suggests different concerns by researchers and the overall population in these areas. Conclusion: Through the systematic review of scientific reports on the urban farm contamination a pattern of pollution emerged. There is substantial evidence of widespread soil, water, compost and produce contamination. Urban farming in developing countries appears to face significant microbiological concerns, mainly due to the mismanagement of wastewater. Alternatively, due to centuries of pollution, in western cities the main cause for concern is the presence of potentially toxic elements in urban agricultural soils. Nonetheless, there is a clear lack of information regarding PTEs in urban farm soils in Africa and non-Chinese Asia while the microbiological status of western urban farms continues to be insufficiently explored.