Data di Pubblicazione:
2016
Citazione:
Vegetable production using a simplified hydroponics system inside Cite of death (Cairo) / A. Giro, S. Ciappellano, A. Ferrante. - In: ADVANCES IN HORTICULTURAL SCIENCE. - ISSN 1592-1573. - 30:1(2016), pp. 23-29. [10.13128/ahs-18698]
Abstract:
This research work was performed in the poorest urban area of Cairo (Egypt) in a slum area called Al-Quarafa.
The aim was to develop and evaluate a simplified hydroponics system (HS) to grow vegetables for the local inhabitants
who live in an extreme status of food unsafety. In the hydroponic growing system the tomato plants were cultivated and
two substrates were compared: peat:perlite (70/30 W/w) and sand:coir (50:50 W/w). This technique guarantees high
levels of production and low contamination by avoiding the use of polluted urban soils which are often common in slum
areas. Macro and microelements in tomato fruits were analysed by ICP-MS. Results showed low concentrations of heavy
metals (Cd, Sr, As, Cr, Mo) with all heavy metals under the levels set by European Community laws. Lack of food safety in
slums is more closely linked with malnutrition than starvation, so it is also important to understand mineral availability
(both micro and macro) and nutritional significance for health. For this reason micro and macro elements (K, Ca, Na, Fe,
Mn, Mg, Cu, Zn) were analysed in the harvested fruits. This study showed that HS is a valid method to grow vegetables in
urban areas to improve food security in Middle East cities.
Tipologia IRIS:
01 - Articolo su periodico
Keywords:
food security; heavy metals; Middle East; sustainable agriculture
Elenco autori:
A. Giro, S. Ciappellano, A. Ferrante
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