Agricultural Mitigation Strategies to Reduce the Impact of Romaine Lettuce Contamination
Walid El Kayal | Linda Darwiche | Yasmine A. Farhat | Mariane Hdeib | Roaa AlJardaly | Mostapha Shbaro | Christelle F. Iskandar
Background: Leafy greens, particularly romaine lettuce, are often associated with outbreaks due to their susceptibility to contamination from various environmental sources. This study aimed to evaluate the presence of <i>E. coli</i>, <i>Salmonella</i>, copper, nickel, zinc, and manganese in irrigation water, lettuce leaves, and agricultural soil in the Litani River Basin (LRB), Lebanon. Method: Samples were collected from five demonstration plots employing different agricultural practices. Heavy metal concentrations were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry, while <i>E. coli</i> and <i>Salmonella</i> testing were conducted through conventional culturing techniques. The impact of <i>E. coli</i> contamination on seed germination and the interaction effects between <i>E. coli</i> and heavy metals were also examined. The study also compared the effectiveness of various irrigation systems in reducing bacterial contamination. Results: The results demonstrated that contamination levels varied significantly across the plots and irrigation types. This variation underscores the necessity of site-specific mitigation strategies to enhance food safety. Our findings highlight the importance of selecting appropriate irrigation methods and implementing tailored agricultural practices to minimize the risk of contamination. Conclusion: This research provides valuable insights for optimizing agricultural practices in the LRB to ensure food safety and environmental sustainability.
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