TreatedWastewaterInAgriculture:IsThereAHealthRiskFromPathogensSuchAsHepatitisAVirusesOrNoroviruses?
Sep 2, 2022 - Foods
TreatedWastewaterInAgriculture:IsThereAHealthRiskFromPathogensSuchAsHepatitisAVirusesOrNoroviruses?
Climate change, unpredictable weather conditions, and droughts are depleting water resources in Germany and Europe. For this reason, the use of treated wastewater for agricultural irrigation has been enabled at the European level. However, a major challenge in treatment is the presence of viral pathogens in the wastewater.
The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) currently advises against irrigating low-growing and raw-consumed fruits and vegetables in Germany with treated wastewater, especially with regard to pathogenic viruses such as hepatitis A viruses and noroviruses, which can reach or be absorbed by plants through this route.
Viruses are mostly absorbed through the roots of the plants and show high stability against environmental influences, in the soil, and on the plant. Additionally, most viruses have a very low minimum infectious dose, meaning that even small amounts of the virus can lead to infections. Recently, there was a product recall of a frozen berry mix in Austria that was contaminated with the hepatitis A virus.
To address this, Regulation (EU) 2020/741 established minimum requirements for the use of treated wastewater for agricultural irrigation. The EU regulation for water reuse is valid from June 26, 2023, and aims to protect the environment and the health of humans and animals.
You can find more information about noroviruses and hepatitis A viruses in our BAV fact sheets.
In our Tentamus labs, we regularly carry out tests for numerous viruses like norovirus, hepatitis A virus, and hepatitis E virus in food.
We provide you with fast and reliable results. Our customer service representatives are happy to assist you with any questions.
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