Dissemination of Pathogens, Antibiotic Resistance and Toxic Metals in Impacted Ecosystems and its Consequences on Sustainable Agriculture in Developing Countries

Abstract

This thesis combines applied sciences to analyze and address some those challenges. It explores sources of water contamination, e.g. hospitals and animal farms, and their contribution to metal pollution, the proliferation of antibiotic resistance genes and bacteria. In addition, it sheds light on the consequences of utilizing irrigation water with a compromised quality for crops and the subsequent health risk to consumers. It finally provides quantitative risk assessment and puts out recommendations to provide support and insights to the global sustainable development projects.