Use of reclaimed or recycled water from sewage effluents on
Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2010 6:43 pm
We are doing some research on the use of reclaimed or recycled water (essentially the same thing) on crops, some certified organic, consumed raw. We are finding multi-antibiotic resistant bacteria within this type of water. In some cases these bacteria are resistant to 11 of the 12 antibiotics we use as a challenge. There is a big push to use this reclaimed water because it offers to offset demand on scarce supplies of potable water. Unfortunately, the current standards under which much of this water is produced do not adequately protect public health. That is to say, many of the current standards are obsolete. As previously discussed for crops consumed raw, bacteria can enter crops through root systems and once internalized, no amount of washing at the kitchen sink is effective. Additionally, crops can biomagnify toxins and pharmaceuticals found in reclaimed water. Thus those purchasing certified organic produce irrigated with reclaimed water may be surprised at what they are really getting. See: (https://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=17433346) and (https://aem.asm.org/cgi/content/short/71/6/3163).