EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF SEWAGE WATER ON HEAVY METAL CONTAMINATION IN VEGETABLES AND PUBLIC HEALTH

Abstract

Agronomic application using untreated sewerage water is rife in many developing nations because of water stress but it is environmentally and health wise dangerous. Sewage water may be full of lead, cadmium, arsenic, chromium and mercury that may build up in vegetables if irrigated for a long time. These metals are poisonous and can cause permanent effects on human bodies such as neurological disorders, kidney and liver disfunction and cancers. In this paper the author reviews the causes of heavy metal pollution in raw sewage water, the bio accumulation of these toxic heavy metals by plants grown hydroponically in sewage water and the possible health hazards associated with their ingestion through diet. They reveal such results as the susceptibility of the crops, metal content of the soils, concentration of metals in water and the general characteristics of the various vegetables. Chronic effects of exposure to these metals are described and health risks posed to susceptible individuals including children explained. The quantitative risks associated with utilization of vegetables grown in wastewater irrigated fields are assessed employing health risk assessment approach and highlight a need for improved wastewater treatment and practices and awareness regarding sewage irrigation. Therefore, the need to encourage the elimination or control of, heavy metal contamination of agriculture in order to safeguard human health and support organic farming.