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Wastewater is widely used for irrigation in Meknes (Morocco). It helps the farmers to cope with drought issues. However, wastewater can contain many toxic chemicals, such as heavy metals, endangering human health. This study aims to assess heavy metal accumulations in wastewater irrigated farms and to identify potential risks to human health. Sampling was conducted from urban and peri-urban farms, collecting irrigation water, soil, and a variety of irrigated vegetables (beet, cardoon, fava bean, lettuce, radish, and zucchini). Ten heavy metals were analyzed: Al, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn. The analysis was performed using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. For irrigation water, all the metals were within the WHO and FAO standards except for Pb and Cr. Heavy metal pollution index indicates an acceptable overall irrigation water quality. For soil, the enrichment factor and the contamination factor show significant anthropogenic enrichment of Cd and Pb. The Metal Pollution Index and Transfer Factor reveal an elevated aptitude of metals to accumulate in beets. The assessment of health risk, using the Target Hazard Quotient and the Hazard Index, indicates potential non-carcinogenic risks related to Al and Fe in beets and lettuce consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to explore the relationship between epidemiology and the spatial patterns of typhoid and wastewater irrigation in Meknes (Morocco). The methodological approach includes the analysis of health data of typhoid and the evaluation of the microbial quality of water and vegetables produced in smallholdings irrigated with wastewater selected from different sampling sites in the urban area and peri-urban area of Meknes. The results revealed that from 2008 to 2019, there were 879 confirmed typhoid cases with an average annual incidence of 11.07 and a peak in 2010, particularly affecting the age group 5 to 14 years (43.46%). The number of typhoid cases was higher in males compared to females, with no significant difference (p > 0.05). Bacteriological analysis of water samples indicates significant fecal contamination, not conforming to irrigation standards. The analysis of vegetables reveals a high level of fecal coliforms and the presence of Salmonella, without significant differences between the sampling sites (p > 0.05), representing a risk factor of infection for consumers. The spatial analysis highlights a correlation between typhoid incidence and the distribution of areas irrigated with wastewater. This further highlights the potential role of wastewater irrigation in typhoid transmission, pointing out the need to improve water management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]