Evidence of uptake of different pollutants in plants harvested from soil treated and fertilized with organic materials as source of soil nutrients from developing countries

The use of organic materials as soil nutrients to improve agricultural production is well documented. However, these organic materials may contain toxic pollutants that may bio-accumulate in plant tissues and eventually be consumed by humans. There is a misconception about the use of organic materials (sludge, urine, human waste and urban waste) in agriculture and organic farming. The review work examined the sources and uses of organic material in agriculture from developing countries and the dangers posed by the use of polluted organic materials in agriculture. The review examined through literature the availability and uptake of pollutants in crops that are cultivated from farming activities using organic materials. The review established the possibility of uptake of pollutants from treated waste materials that are used for farming. Some of the pollutants that can be bio-accumulated by plants when cultivated on soil containing these pollutants were documented. The review concluded by establishing the need to create awareness on the possible health risks associated with the use of organic materials if the materials used were polluted. The review also highlighted the importance of educating peasant farmers on the dangers associated with collecting waste materials from untreated sources.