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<p>This systematic review and meta-analysis investigate the public health risks posed by cadmium (Cd) accumulation in soils and crops irrigated with wastewater. Synthesizing data from 35 studies published between 2000 and 2021, we demonstrate that wastewater irrigation is a significant source of contamination. Untreated and mixed wastewater sources significantly elevate Cd concentrations in irrigation water (0.11–0.15&#xa0;mg/L) and agricultural soils, where levels frequently exceed international safety thresholds by up to three-fold. This contamination is transferred to edible crops, with over 80% of analyzed vegetable samples surpassing permissible limits. Certain species show extreme bioaccumulation, with Jew mallow (41.35&#xa0;mg/kg), beet (23.19&#xa0;mg/kg), and spinach (pooled mean 2.86&#xa0;mg/kg) exceeding the EU safety limit (0.2–0.3&#xa0;mg/kg) by factors of &gt; 130, &gt; 77, and &gt; 9.5, respectively. Consequently, the calculated Health Risk Index (HRI) exceeded 1 for most crops, indicating a potential non-carcinogenic health risk for consumers, with children being particularly vulnerable. Crucially, the analysis reveals that the use of properly treated or reclaimed wastewater effectively mitigates these risks, with Cd levels comparable to control groups. These findings underscore the urgent need for a multi-faceted approach, including strict regulation of untreated wastewater use, investment in affordable treatment technologies, promotion of low-uptake crop varieties, and routine monitoring to safeguard food safety and public health in regions dependent on wastewater irrigation.</p>

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Public health risks of cadmium accumulation in wastewater irrigation, irrigated soil, and wastewater-based edible crops

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月16日

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  • Adnan Sirage Ali,
  • Marekegn Habtamu,
  • Bewketu Mamaru Mengiste

摘要

This systematic review and meta-analysis investigate the public health risks posed by cadmium (Cd) accumulation in soils and crops irrigated with wastewater. Synthesizing data from 35 studies published between 2000 and 2021, we demonstrate that wastewater irrigation is a significant source of contamination. Untreated and mixed wastewater sources significantly elevate Cd concentrations in irrigation water (0.11–0.15 mg/L) and agricultural soils, where levels frequently exceed international safety thresholds by up to three-fold. This contamination is transferred to edible crops, with over 80% of analyzed vegetable samples surpassing permissible limits. Certain species show extreme bioaccumulation, with Jew mallow (41.35 mg/kg), beet (23.19 mg/kg), and spinach (pooled mean 2.86 mg/kg) exceeding the EU safety limit (0.2–0.3 mg/kg) by factors of > 130, > 77, and > 9.5, respectively. Consequently, the calculated Health Risk Index (HRI) exceeded 1 for most crops, indicating a potential non-carcinogenic health risk for consumers, with children being particularly vulnerable. Crucially, the analysis reveals that the use of properly treated or reclaimed wastewater effectively mitigates these risks, with Cd levels comparable to control groups. These findings underscore the urgent need for a multi-faceted approach, including strict regulation of untreated wastewater use, investment in affordable treatment technologies, promotion of low-uptake crop varieties, and routine monitoring to safeguard food safety and public health in regions dependent on wastewater irrigation.