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Kilusungu ZH, Kassam D, Kimera ZI, Mgaya FX, Nandolo W, Kunambi PP, Ulomi W, Matee MIN. Tetracycline and sulphonamide residues in farmed fish in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and human health risk implications. FOOD ADDITIVES & CONTAMINANTS. PART B, SURVEILLANCE 2024; 17:161-170. [PMID: 38516743 DOI: 10.1080/19393210.2024.2331106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
In Africa, antibiotic residue investigations in animal food have primarily been focused on meat, neglecting farmed fish. This cross-sectional study conducted in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, aimed to assess sulphonamide and tetracycline residues in farmed fish, comparing levels with Codex Alimentarius Commission's acceptable daily intake (ADI) and maximum residue limits (MRLs). A total of 84 farmed fish were sampled and analysed in the presence of tetracycline and sulphonamide residues. All samples were positive for sulphonamide residues (100%; n = 84), and 2.4% (n = 2) were positive for tetracycline and consequently also positive for both compounds. Tetracycline levels were below ADI and MRL, 28.5% (n = 24) surpassed the ADI, and 6% (n = 5) of the samples exceeded the MRL for sulphonamide. Regular monitoring of antibiotic residues in aquaculture products is crucial to mitigate health risks and expanding assessments to include other commonly used compounds is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zainabu H Kilusungu
- Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Science, Africa Centre of Excellence in Aquaculture and Fisheries (AquaFish), Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Daud Kassam
- Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Science, Africa Centre of Excellence in Aquaculture and Fisheries (AquaFish), Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Zuhura Idd Kimera
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Fauster X Mgaya
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Diagnostic Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Wilson Nandolo
- Department of Animal Science, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources(LUANAR), Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Peter P Kunambi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Diagnostic Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Winstone Ulomi
- Testing Department, Directorate of Testing and Calibration, Tanzania Bureau of Standards, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Mecky I N Matee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Diagnostic Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- SACIDS Foundation for One Health (SACIDS), Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), Morogoro, Tanzania
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2
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Dorick J, Kumar GD, Macarisin D, Andrew Widmer J, Stivers T, Dunn LL. Longitudinal Survey of Aeromonas hydrophila and Foodborne Pathogens in a Commercial Aquaponics System. J Food Prot 2024; 87:100230. [PMID: 38278488 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfp.2024.100230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Aquaponic production of fresh produce is a sustainable agricultural method becoming widely adopted, though few studies have investigated potential food safety hazards within commercial systems. A longitudinal study was conducted to isolate and quantify several foodborne pathogens from a commercial, aquaponic farm, and to elucidate their distribution throughout. The survey was conducted over 2 years on a controlled-environment farm containing Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa). Samples (N = 1,047) were collected bimonthly from three identical, independent systems, and included lettuce leaves, roots, fingerlings (7-126 d old), feces from mature fish (>126 d old), water, and sponge swabs collected from the tank interior surface. Most probable number of generic Escherichia coli were determined using IDEXX Colilert Quanti-Tray. Enumeration and enrichment were used to detect Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), Salmonella enterica, Listeria monocytogenes, Aeromonas spp., Aeromonas hydrophilia, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Generic E. coli, STEC, L. monocytogenes, and S. enterica were not detected in collected samples. P. aeruginosa was isolated from water (7/351; 1.99%), swabs (3/351; 0.85%), feces (2/108; 1.85%), and lettuce leaves (2/99; 2.02%). A. hydrophila was isolated from all sample types (623/1047; 59.50%). The incidence of A. hydrophila in water (X2 = 23.234, p < 0.001) and sponge samples (X2 = 21.352, p < 0.001) increased over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Dorick
- Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | | | - Dumitru Macarisin
- Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration, College Park, MD 20740, USA
| | - J Andrew Widmer
- Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Tori Stivers
- Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, University of Georgia, Peachtree City, GA 30269, USA
| | - Laurel L Dunn
- Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
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3
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Topalcengiz Z, Chandran S, Gibson KE. A comprehensive examination of microbial hazards and risks during indoor soilless leafy green production. Int J Food Microbiol 2024; 411:110546. [PMID: 38157635 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2023.110546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Produce grown under controlled environment agriculture (CEA) is often assumed to have a reduced risk of pathogen contamination due to the low chance of exposure to outdoor contaminant factors. However, the 2021 outbreak and numerous recalls of CEA-grown lettuce and microgreens demonstrate the possibility of pathogen introduction during indoor production when there is a failure in the implementation of food safety management systems. Indoor production of commercial leafy greens, such as lettuce and microgreens, is performed across a range of protective structures from primitive household setups to advanced and partially automatized growing systems. Indoor production systems include hydroponic, aquaponic, and aeroponic configurations. Hydroponic systems such as deep water culture and nutrient film technique comprised of various engineering designs represent the main system types used by growers. Depending on the type of leafy green, the soilless substrate, and system selection, risk of microbial contamination will vary during indoor production. In this literature review, science-based pathogen contamination risks and mitigation strategies for indoor production of microgreens and more mature leafy greens are discussed during both pre-harvest and post-harvest stages of production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeynal Topalcengiz
- Department of Food Science, Center for Food Safety, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, Fayetteville, AR 72704, USA; Department of Food Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Muş Alparslan University, 49250 Muş, Türkiye
| | - Sahaana Chandran
- Department of Food Science, Center for Food Safety, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, Fayetteville, AR 72704, USA
| | - Kristen E Gibson
- Department of Food Science, Center for Food Safety, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, Fayetteville, AR 72704, USA.
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4
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Roosta HR, Samadi A, Bikdeloo M. Different cultivation systems and foliar application of calcium nanoparticles affect the growth and physiological characteristics of pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium L.). Sci Rep 2023; 13:20334. [PMID: 37989836 PMCID: PMC10663606 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47855-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of different cultivation systems (soil cultivation, hydroponic cultivation in greenhouse conditions, and hydroponic vertical cultivation in plant factory under different LED lights) and foliar spraying of nano calcium carbonate on pennyroyal plants. Nano calcium carbonate was applied to the plants at a 7-day interval, three times, one month after planting. Results showed that the greenhouse cultivation system with calcium carbonate foliar spraying produced the highest amount of shoot and root fresh mass in plants. Additionally, foliar spraying of calcium carbonate increased internode length and leaf area in various cultivation systems. Comparing the effects of different light spectrums revealed that red light increased internode length while decreasing leaf length, leaf area, and plant carotenoids. Blue light, on the other hand, increased the leaf area and root length of the plants. The hydroponic greenhouse cultivation system produced plants with the highest levels of chlorophyll, carotenoids, and phenolic compounds. White light-treated plants had less iron and calcium than those exposed to other light spectrums. In conclusion, pennyroyal plants grown in greenhouses or fields had better growth than those grown in plant factories under different light spectrums. Furthermore, the calcium foliar application improved the physiological and biochemical properties of the plants in all the studied systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Reza Roosta
- Department of Horticultural Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Arak University, Arak, 38156-8-8349, Iran.
| | - Arman Samadi
- Department of Horticultural Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Arak University, Arak, 38156-8-8349, Iran
| | - Mahdi Bikdeloo
- Department of Horticultural Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Arak University, Arak, 38156-8-8349, Iran
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5
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Dinev T, Velichkova K, Stoyanova A, Sirakov I. Microbial Pathogens in Aquaponics Potentially Hazardous for Human Health. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2824. [PMID: 38137969 PMCID: PMC10745371 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11122824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The union of aquaculture and hydroponics is named aquaponics-a system where microorganisms, fish and plants coexist in a water environment. Bacteria are essential in processes which are fundamental for the functioning and equilibrium of aquaponic systems. Such processes are nitrification, extraction of various macro- and micronutrients from the feed leftovers and feces, etc. However, in aquaponics there are not only beneficial, but also potentially hazardous microorganisms of fish, human, and plant origin. It is important to establish the presence of human pathogens, their way of entering the aforementioned systems, and their control in order to assess the risk to human health when consuming plants and fish grown in aquaponics. Literature analysis shows that aquaponic bacteria and yeasts are mainly pathogenic to fish and humans but rarely to plants, while most of the molds are pathogenic to humans, plants, and fish. Since the various human pathogenic bacteria and fungi found in aquaponics enter the water when proper hygiene practices are not applied and followed, if these requirements are met, aquaponic systems are a good choice for growing healthy fish and plants safe for human consumption. However, many of the aquaponic pathogens are listed in the WHO list of drug-resistant bacteria for which new antibiotics are urgently needed, making disease control by antibiotics a real challenge. Because pathogen control by conventional physical methods, chemical methods, and antibiotic treatment is potentially harmful to humans, fish, plants, and beneficial microorganisms, a biological control with antagonistic microorganisms, phytotherapy, bacteriophage therapy, and nanomedicine are potential alternatives to these methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toncho Dinev
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Trakia University, 6000 Stara Zagora, Bulgaria;
| | - Katya Velichkova
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Trakia University, 6000 Stara Zagora, Bulgaria;
| | - Antoniya Stoyanova
- Department of Plant Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Trakia University, 6000 Stara Zagora, Bulgaria;
| | - Ivaylo Sirakov
- Department of Animal Husbandry–Non-Ruminant Animals and Special Branches, Faculty of Agriculture, Trakia University, 6000 Stara Zagora, Bulgaria;
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Ng WL, Ng ISM, Bay LJ, Li H, Chew PCF, Koh SP, Lee KM, Wu Y, Chan SH. Identification and Characterization of Mercury Contamination in Vegetables and Herbs Cultivated on a Commercial Vertical Indoor Farming System with Light-Emitting Diode Lighting: Unveiling an Unusual Food Safety Risk of Some Improperly Manufactured High-Density Agricultural Production Systems. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:13654-13661. [PMID: 37681756 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c03038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Artificial grow lights, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and fluorescent grow lights, are commonly used in modern day indoor farming, citing advantages in energy efficiency and a higher controlled environment. However, the use of LEDs poses a risk in mercury contaminations as a result of its production process, specifically LEDs with polyurethane encapsulates that were traditionally produced using mercury resins as a catalyst. A total of 10.0 ppm of mercury was detected in a curly kale sample harvested from an indoor hydroponic vegetable farm, exceeding Singapore Food Regulation's limit of 0.05 ppm. Vegetables, farming inputs, and surface swabs from the affected farm were analyzed using wet acid digestion followed by cold vapor atomic absorption spectroscopy analysis. The investigation found high concentrations of mercury in the LED encapsulant, and the encapsulant material was identified to be polyurethane by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis, indicating the source of mercury contamination to be the LED polyurethane encapsulant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan Ling Ng
- National Centre for Food Science, Singapore Food Agency, 7 International Business Park, Singapore 609919, Singapore
| | - Ivan Si Ming Ng
- National Centre for Food Science, Singapore Food Agency, 7 International Business Park, Singapore 609919, Singapore
| | - Lian Jie Bay
- National Centre for Food Science, Singapore Food Agency, 7 International Business Park, Singapore 609919, Singapore
| | - Haiyan Li
- National Centre for Food Science, Singapore Food Agency, 7 International Business Park, Singapore 609919, Singapore
| | - Peggy Chui Fong Chew
- National Centre for Food Science, Singapore Food Agency, 7 International Business Park, Singapore 609919, Singapore
| | - Shoo Peng Koh
- National Centre for Food Science, Singapore Food Agency, 7 International Business Park, Singapore 609919, Singapore
| | - Kah Meng Lee
- National Centre for Food Science, Singapore Food Agency, 7 International Business Park, Singapore 609919, Singapore
| | - Yuansheng Wu
- National Centre for Food Science, Singapore Food Agency, 7 International Business Park, Singapore 609919, Singapore
| | - Sheot Harn Chan
- National Centre for Food Science, Singapore Food Agency, 7 International Business Park, Singapore 609919, Singapore
- Department of Food Science & Technology, National University of Singapore, 2 Science Drive 2, Singapore 117543, Singapore
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7
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McClure M, Whitney B, Gardenhire I, Crosby A, Wellman A, Patel K, McCormic ZD, Gieraltowski L, Gollarza L, Low MSF, Adams J, Pightling A, Bell RL, Nolte K, Tijerina M, Frost JT, Beix JA, Boegler KA, Dow J, Altman S, Wise ME, Bazaco MC, Viazis S. An Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella Typhimurium Illnesses in the United States Linked to Packaged Leafy Greens Produced at a Controlled Environment Agriculture Indoor Hydroponic Operation - 2021. J Food Prot 2023; 86:100079. [PMID: 37003534 PMCID: PMC10493856 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfp.2023.100079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
In 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state partners investigated a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium illnesses linked to packaged leafy greens from a controlled environment agriculture (CEA) operation in Illinois. Thirty-one illnesses and four hospitalizations were reported in four states, with a significant epidemiologic signal for packaged leafy greens from Farm A. A traceback investigation for leafy greens included seven points of service (POS) with food exposure data from eight ill people. Each POS was supplied leafy greens by Farm A. FDA investigators observed operations at Farm A and noted that 1) the firm did not consider their indoor hydroponic pond water as agricultural water, 2) condensate dripping from the chiller water supply line inside the building, and 3) unprotected outdoor storage of packaged soilless growth media and pallets used for finished product. FDA collected 25 product, water, and environmental samples from Farm A. The outbreak strain was recovered from a water sample collected from a stormwater drainage basin located on the property adjacent to Farm A. In addition, an isolate of Salmonella Liverpool was recovered from two indoor growing ponds within the same growing house, but no illnesses were linked to the isolate. Farm A voluntarily recalled all implicated products and provided their root cause analysis (RCA) and return-to-market plan to FDA. While the source and route of the contamination were not determined by the RCA, epidemiologic and traceback evidence confirmed the packaged salads consumed by ill persons were produced by Farm A. This was the first investigation of a multistate foodborne illness outbreak associated with leafy greens grown in a CEA operation. This outbreak demonstrated the need for growers using hydroponic methods to review their practices for potential sources and routes of contamination and to reduce food safety risks when identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica McClure
- Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration, College Park, MD 20740, United States.
| | - Brooke Whitney
- Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration, College Park, MD 20740, United States
| | - Ifueko Gardenhire
- Office of Regulatory Affairs, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, United States
| | - Alvin Crosby
- Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration, College Park, MD 20740, United States
| | - Allison Wellman
- Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration, College Park, MD 20740, United States
| | - Kane Patel
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, United States
| | - Zachary D McCormic
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, United States
| | - Laura Gieraltowski
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, United States
| | - Lauren Gollarza
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, United States
| | - Mabel S F Low
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, United States
| | - Jennifer Adams
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, United States
| | - Arthur Pightling
- Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration, College Park, MD 20740, United States
| | - Rebecca L Bell
- Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration, College Park, MD 20740, United States
| | - Kurt Nolte
- Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration, College Park, MD 20740, United States
| | - Mary Tijerina
- Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration, College Park, MD 20740, United States
| | - Joseph T Frost
- Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration, College Park, MD 20740, United States
| | - James A Beix
- Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, Madison, WI 53708, United States
| | - Karen A Boegler
- Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Madison, WI 53708, United States
| | - Julie Dow
- Illinois Department of Public Health, Springfield, IL 62761, United States
| | - Shana Altman
- Illinois Department of Public Health, Springfield, IL 62761, United States
| | - Matthew E Wise
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, United States
| | - Michael C Bazaco
- Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration, College Park, MD 20740, United States
| | - Stelios Viazis
- Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration, College Park, MD 20740, United States
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Mohammad ZH, Prado ID, Sirsat SA. Comparative microbial analyses of hydroponic versus in-soil grown Romaine lettuce obtained at retail. Heliyon 2022; 8:e11050. [PMID: 36281368 PMCID: PMC9587268 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The overarching goal of this study was to assess the microbiological profile of hydroponically grown Romaine lettuce and in-soil Romaine lettuce (organic and conventional). Thirty-six samples of hydroponic lettuce, seventy-two samples organic lettuce (thirty-six bagged lettuce and thirty-six non-bagged lettuce), and thirty-six conventionally grown lettuce was purchased from retail stores. A portion of each sample was analyzed for aerobic bacteria (APC), coliforms and E. coli, and yeasts and molds (YM). Another portion of each sample was enriched for Salmonella, E. coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus, and confirmed with RT-PCR. No statistical differences were found in the microbial profile (P > 0.05) between the different farming practices. The APC, coliforms, E. coli, and YM counts were similar across bagged samples. The results demonstrated that APC and E. coli were significantly higher (P<0.05) in organic non-bagged samples compared to other practices. Salmonella and L. monocytogenes were detected in some organically and conventionally grown lettuce samples but were only detected in 3 hydroponically grown lettuce samples. This study indicated that hydroponically grown lettuce obtained at retail may have food safety risks similar to organic and conventional systems. These findings highlight the need for food safety training and educational programs.
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Davis MT, Canning AD, Midwinter AC, Death RG. Nitrate enrichment does not affect enteropathogenic Escherichia coli in aquatic microcosms but may affect other strains present in aquatic habitats. PeerJ 2022; 10:e13914. [PMID: 36187747 PMCID: PMC9524367 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Eutrophication of the planet's aquatic systems is increasing at an unprecedented rate. In freshwater systems, nitrate-one of the nutrients responsible for eutrophication-is linked to biodiversity losses and ecosystem degradation. One of the main sources of freshwater nitrate pollution in New Zealand is agriculture. New Zealand's pastoral farming system relies heavily on the application of chemical fertilisers. These fertilisers in combination with animal urine, also high in nitrogen, result in high rates of nitrogen leaching into adjacent aquatic systems. In addition to nitrogen, livestock waste commonly carries human and animal enteropathogenic bacteria, many of which can survive in freshwater environments. Two strains of enteropathogenic bacteria found in New Zealand cattle, are K99 and Shiga-toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC). To better understand the effects of ambient nitrate concentrations in the water column on environmental enteropathogenic bacteria survival, a microcosm experiment with three nitrate-nitrogen concentrations (0, 1, and 3 mg NO3-N /L), two enteropathogenic bacterial strains (STEC O26-human, and K99-animal), and two water types (sterile and containing natural microbiota) was run. Both STEC O26 and K99 reached 500 CFU/10 ml in both water types at all three nitrate concentrations within 24 hours and remained at those levels for the full 91 days of the experiment. Although enteropathogenic strains showed no response to water column nitrate concentrations, the survival of background Escherichia coli, imported as part of the in-stream microbiota did, surviving longer in 1 and 3 mg NO3-N/Lconcentrations (P < 0.001). While further work is needed to fully understand how nitrate enrichment and in-stream microbiota may affect the viability of human and animal pathogens in freshwater systems, it is clear that these two New Zealand strains of STEC O26 and K99 can persist in river water for extended periods alongside some natural microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith T. Davis
- School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, Manawatu, New Zealand,Molecular Epidemiology and Veterinary Public Health Laboratory—Hopkirk Research Institute, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, Manawatu, New Zealand
| | - Adam D. Canning
- Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research (TropWATER), James Cook University of North Queensland, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Anne C. Midwinter
- Molecular Epidemiology and Veterinary Public Health Laboratory—Hopkirk Research Institute, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, Manawatu, New Zealand
| | - Russell G. Death
- School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, Manawatu, New Zealand
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10
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How High Is High Enough? Assessing Financial Risk for Vertical Farms Using Imprecise Probability. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14095676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Vertical farming (VF) is a method of indoor agricultural production, involving stacked layers of crops, utilising technologies to increase yields per unit area. However, this emerging sector has struggled with profitability and a high failure rate. Practitioners and academics call for a comprehensive economic analysis of vertical farming, but efforts have been stifled by a lack of valid and available data as existing studies are unable to address risks and uncertainty that may support risk-empowered business planning. An adaptable economic analysis is necessary that considers imprecise variables and risks. The financial risk analysis presented uses with a first-hitting-time model with probability bounds to evaluate quasi-insolvency for two unique vertical farms. The UK farm results show that capital injection, robust data collection, frequent cleaning, efficient distribution and cheaper packaging are pathways to profitability and have a safer risk profile. For the Japanese farm, diversification of revenue streams like tours or education reduce financial risk associated with yield and sales. This is the first instance of applying risk and uncertainty quantification for VF business models and it can support wider agricultural projects. Enabling this complex sector to compute with uncertainty to estimate financials could improve access to funding and help other nascent industries.
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11
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Determination of Phylloplane Associated Bacteria of Lettuce from a Small-Scale Aquaponic System via 16S rRNA Gene Amplicon Sequence Analysis. HORTICULTURAE 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/horticulturae8020151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Fresh vegetables harbour diverse bacterial populations on their surfaces which are important for plant health and growth. Information on epiphytic bacteria is limited to only a few types of vegetables and it is unknown how the lettuce epiphytic bacterial community structure may respond when a probiotic product is added to an aquaponic system. In this study, we evaluated lettuce growth and analysed epiphytic bacterial communities of lettuce based on metabarcoding analysis of the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene obtained from paired-end Illumina MiSeq reads. The addition of Bacillus probiotics resulted in a significant increase of nitrate and phosphate in the deep-water culture solution, as well as increased vegetative growth of lettuce. Metabarcoding analysis revealed that the most abundant phyla on lettuce leaf surfaces were Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria. The in-depth bacterial composition analysis indicated that genera Chryseobacterium, Bacillus, Pantoea, Pseudoduganella, Flavobacterium, Paludibacter, and Cloacibacterium were dominant in leaf samples obtained from Bacillus-treated systems. Analysis of lettuce epiphytic bacterial communities of the fresh lettuce leaf surfaces also indicated the presence of food-borne pathogens belonging to the Shigella and Aeromonas genera, which were less abundant in the probiotic treated systems. This study provides the first characterization of the epiphytic bacterial community structure and how it can be modulated by the addition of a probiotic mixture to the nutrient solution of aquaponic systems.
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12
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Buscaroli E, Braschi I, Cirillo C, Fargue-Lelièvre A, Modarelli GC, Pennisi G, Righini I, Specht K, Orsini F. Reviewing chemical and biological risks in urban agriculture: A comprehensive framework for a food safety assessment of city region food systems. Food Control 2021; 126:108085. [PMID: 34345121 PMCID: PMC8080888 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2021.108085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Attention to urban agriculture (UA) has recently grown among practitioners, scientists, and the public, resulting in several initiatives worldwide. Despite the positive perception of modern UA and locally grown, fresh produce, the potential food safety risks connected to these practices may be underestimated, leading to regulatory gaps. Thus, there is a need for assessment tools to evaluate the food safety risks connected to specific UA initiatives, to assist practitioners in self-evaluation and control, and to provide policy makers and scholars a means to pursue and assess food safety in city regions, avoiding either a lack or an excess of regulation that could ultimately hinder the sector. To address this aim, this paper reviews the most recent and relevant literature on UA food safety assessments. Food safety indicators were identified first. Then, a food safety assessment framework for UA initiatives was developed. The framework uses business surveys and food analyses (if available) as a data source for calculating a food safety index for single UA businesses and the whole UA landscape of a given city region. The proposed framework was designed to allow its integration into the CRFS (City Region Food System) toolkit developed by FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations), RUAF foundation (Resource Centres on Urban Agriculture and Food Security) and Wilfrid Laurier University. Connection of several biological and chemical food safety risks to UA techniques. Identifiable food safety risk factors for diverse UA practices. Framework for the assessment of food safety levels of UA initiatives. Development of a risk-based assessment that can be integrated into the FAO CRFS framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Buscaroli
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - I Braschi
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - C Cirillo
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Portici, Italy
| | | | - G C Modarelli
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Portici, Italy
| | - G Pennisi
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - I Righini
- Wageningen UR Greenhouse Horticulture, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - K Specht
- ILS- Research Institute for Regional and Urban Development, Dortmund, Germany
| | - F Orsini
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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13
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Dorick J, Hayden M, Smith M, Blanchard C, Monu E, Wells D, Huang TS. Evaluation of Escherichia coli and coliforms in aquaponic water for produce irrigation. Food Microbiol 2021; 99:103801. [PMID: 34119095 DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2021.103801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The FDA Produce Safety Rule states that water used for irrigation purposes, likely to come into contact with the edible portion of fruit and vegetables, must not exceed a defined limit of Escherichia coli populations. Although aquaponics has not been included in this guideline, it is worth investigating to establish a baseline for facilities to reference in produce production. Two microbial assays were performed, one a decoupled media-based aquaponics system over one year and another on a decoupled nutrient film technique (NFT) aquaponics system over 16 days. Water was sampled from each system over time to analyze changes of E. coli and coliforms. The geometric mean (GM) and statistical threshold variable (STV) were calculated based on E. coli populations from the irrigation source in each system. From the first experiment, it was determined, based on the FDA Produce Safety Rule, that E. coli must be monitored more closely from June to January as they were above the advised limit. The second experiment determined that E. coli and coliforms in the water significantly decreased over 16 days. Water should be held for 8 d and up to 16 d to reduce the likelihood of foodborne pathogens to contaminate produce.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Dorick
- Department of Poultry Science, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Michelle Hayden
- Department of Poultry Science, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Mollie Smith
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Science, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | | | - Emefa Monu
- Department of Poultry Science, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Daniel Wells
- Department of Horticulture, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Tung-Shi Huang
- Department of Poultry Science, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA.
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14
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Lam KL, Kong WP, Ling PY, Lau TH, Ho KH, Lee FWF, Chan PL. Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria in Hydroponic Lettuce in Retail: A Comparative Survey. Foods 2020; 9:foods9091327. [PMID: 32967196 PMCID: PMC7554963 DOI: 10.3390/foods9091327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Revised: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydroponic produce is gaining popularity due to its suitability for urban agriculture. The general public also considers that hydroponic produce is free from microbiological contamination. In this study, we compared the frequency and abundance of tetracycline-resistant and sulphadiazine-resistant bacteria and the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of these isolates in conventional, organic, and hydroponic lettuce sold in retail. We also determined the frequency of samples carrying tetB, tetX, sul1, sul2, and int1 genes by PCR and further quantified the copy number of tetX, sul1, and int1 genes in samples positive for these genes using qPCR. As expected, the number of resistant bacteria and the MICs of these isolates were lowest in hydroponic lettuce and highest in organic lettuce. All tested resistant genes, except int1, were detected in samples of all three production methods, but no significant difference was observed between the three groups in the frequency of samples carrying the resistance genes examined or in their copy number. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first study directly reporting the existence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and resistance genes in hydroponic vegetables sold in retail. The result highlights that the risk of antibiotic-resistant bacteria contamination in hydroponic produce should be further investigated.
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15
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Total Coliform and Generic E. coli Levels, and Salmonella Presence in Eight Experimental Aquaponics and Hydroponics Systems: A Brief Report Highlighting Exploratory Data. HORTICULTURAE 2020; 6. [PMID: 34336990 PMCID: PMC8323784 DOI: 10.3390/horticulturae6030042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Although many studies have investigated foodborne pathogen prevalence in conventional produce production environments, relatively few have investigated prevalence in aquaponics and hydroponics systems. This study sought to address this knowledge gap by enumerating total coliform and generic E. coli levels, and testing for Salmonella presence in circulating water samples collected from five hydroponic systems and three aquaponic systems (No. of samples = 79). While total coliform levels ranged between 6.3 Most Probable Number (MPN)/100-mL and the upper limit of detection (2496 MPN/100-mL), only three samples had detectable levels of E. coli and no samples had detectable levels of Salmonella. Of the three E. coli positive samples, two samples had just one MPN of E. coli/100-mL while the third had 53.9 MPN of E. coli/100-mL. While the sample size reported here was small and site selection was not randomized, this study adds key data on the microbial quality of aquaponics and hydroponics systems to the literature. Moreover, these data suggest that contamination in these systems occurs at relatively low-levels, and that future studies are needed to more fully explore when and how microbial contamination of aquaponics and hydroponic systems is likely to occur.
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Lázaro CA, Monteiro MLG, Conte-Junior CA. Combined Effect of Modified Atmosphere Packaging and UV-C Radiation on Pathogens Reduction, Biogenic Amines, and Shelf Life of Refrigerated Tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus) Fillets. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25143222. [PMID: 32679681 PMCID: PMC7397001 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25143222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the isolated effect of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP; 50% CO2 and 50% N2) and ultraviolet radiation (UV; 0.30 J/cm2) as well as their combined (MAP/UV) effect on reduction of Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli O157:H7, biogenic amines (BA), and on shelf life of tilapia fillets stored at 4 ± 1 °C for 10 days. UV samples had the highest reduction of S. typhimurium (1.13 log colony forming units/g; CFU/g) and E. coli O157:H7 (0.70 log CFU/g). MAP and MAP/UV reduced the growth of S. typhimurium in 0.50 log CFU/g and did not affect the growth of E. coli O157:H7. UV, MAP, and MAP/UV increased lag phase and/or generation time of all evaluated bacterial groups, decreased pH values, ammonia formation, texture changes, and, in general, the BA formation throughout storage period, and, therefore, UV, MAP, and MAP/UV extended the shelf life for two, three, and at least five days, respectively. MAP/UV, MAP, and UV decreased redness, MAP/UV and MAP increased yellowness and lipid oxidation, while UV did not affect it. MAP/UV demonstrated promising results for shelf life extension; however, different gas ratios in combination with other ultraviolet radiation type C (UV-C) doses should be investigated to reach the highest microbiological safety and maintenance of the overall quality of tilapia fillets.
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Affiliation(s)
- César A. Lázaro
- Departmento de Salud Animaly Salud Pública, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (UNMSM), San Borja, Lima 15021, Peru;
| | - Maria Lúcia G. Monteiro
- Departmento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-909, Brazil;
- Núcleo de Análise de Alimentos (NAL-LADETEC), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-598, Brazil
- Departamento de Tecnologia de Alimentos, Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Niterói, Rio de Janeiro 24220-000, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-21-3938-7825
| | - Carlos A. Conte-Junior
- Departmento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-909, Brazil;
- Núcleo de Análise de Alimentos (NAL-LADETEC), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-598, Brazil
- Departamento de Tecnologia de Alimentos, Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Niterói, Rio de Janeiro 24220-000, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Vigilância Sanitária, Instituto Nacional de Controle de Qualidade em Saúde, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
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17
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Koutsoumanis K, Allende A, Alvarez‐Ordóñez A, Bolton D, Chemaly M, Davies R, De Cesare A, Herman L, Hilbert F, Lindqvist R, Nauta M, Peixe L, Ru G, Simmons M, Skandamis P, Suffredini E, Arason S, Bekaert K, García MR, Georgiadis M, Messens W, Mosbach‐Schulz O, Bover‐Cid S. The use of the so-called 'tubs' for transporting and storing fresh fishery products. EFSA J 2020; 18:e06091. [PMID: 32874299 PMCID: PMC7448070 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2020.6091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
On-land transport/storage of fresh fishery products (FFP) for up to 3 days in 'tubs' of three-layered poly-ethylene filled with freshwater and ice was compared to the currently authorised practice (fish boxes of high-density poly-ethylene filled with ice). The impact on the survival and growth of biological hazards in fish and the histamine production in fish species associated with a high amount of histidine was assessed. In different modelling scenarios, the FFP are stored on-board in freshwater or seawater/ice (in tubs) and once on-land they are 'handled' (i.e. sorted or gutted and/or filleted) and transferred to either tubs or boxes. The temperature of the FFP was assumed to be the most influential factor affecting relevant hazards. Under reasonably foreseeable 'abusive' scenarios and using a conservative modelling approach, the growth of the relevant hazards (i.e. Listeria monocytogenes, Aeromonas spp. and non-proteolytic Clostridium botulinum), is expected to be < 0.2 log10 units higher in tubs than in boxes after 3 days when the initial temperature of the fish is 0°C ('keeping' process). Starting at 7°C ('cooling-keeping' process), the expected difference in the growth potential is higher (< 1 log10 for A. hydrophila and < 0.5 log10 for the other two hazards) due to the poorer cooling capacity of water and ice (tub) compared with ice (box). The survival of relevant hazards is not or is negligibly impacted. Histamine formation due to growth of Morganella psychrotolerans under the 'keeping' or 'cooling-keeping' process can be up to 0.4 ppm and 1.5 ppm higher, respectively, in tubs as compared to boxes after 3 days, without reaching the legal limit of 100 ppm. The water uptake associated with the storage of the FFP in tubs (which may be up to 6%) does not make a relevant contribution to the differences in microbial growth potential compared to boxes.
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How energy innovation in indoor vertical farming can improve food security, sustainability, and food safety? ADVANCES IN FOOD SECURITY AND SUSTAINABILITY 2020. [PMCID: PMC7516583 DOI: 10.1016/bs.af2s.2020.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Food safety is an important scientific field, but at the same time a discussion topic of modern society that occupies more and more space of our every day time, dealing with the preparation of food, with its nutritious value, and various transportation and storage ways aiming at preventing food-related sickness. This work compares traditional farming with greenhouses and indoor vertical farming focusing on the challenges and the opportunities for each category. The scope of this work was to stress the role of indoor vertical farming towards this direction. Indoor vertical farms can produce high quality and virus-free products that can be locally distributed, inside the urban environment that such investments take place, saving annually millions of tons CO2 emissions. Beyond that, in this work it was pointed out how energy plays a role in food safety in such systems. It was stressed that indoor vertical farms can act as a demand response aggregator. In large scale units it could play a role to adjust their production according to different electricity prices offered in different time zones throughout the day. This way, the owners under a multi-value business model will create the opportunity to the vertical farm owners not only to improve their production but at the same time absorb inexpensive electricity offered, by creating an additional profit mechanism (multiple revenue streams) under such an approach by entering into contracts with companies in a utility electric region.
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