Affiliations: Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of
Science, Royal University of Phnom Penh Russian Federation Blvd. Cambodia | Department of Geography and Planning; and Center for
Southeast Asia Environment and Sustainable Development Buffalo State, State
University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA 14222
Abstract: The naturally occurring wastewater treatment wetlands of Phnom Penh,
Cambodia, also are home to a peri-urban community that actively harvests
various food stuffs (vegetables, snails, fish) from the wetlands. Concern has
been expressed about the potential health implications of eating food stuffs
taken from the wetlands. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to
identify the uses (e.g. fishing, shellfish cultivation, and aquatic plant
harvesting) of wetlands through direct survey of users; analyze food stuffs to
assess metals (Zn, Cu and Cr) levels; and develop simple contaminant exposure
estimates for the survey participants. Sample collection and social surveys
were conducted to fulfill the objectives of this research. It was found that
the metals concentrations in vegatables were low compared to fishes and snails.
The contaminant exposure estimates (risk assessment) of Morning glory (Ipomoea
aquatica), the predominant vegetable in the study area, and fish, showed that
Zn, Cu and Cr originating from consumption of these food stuffs still do not
pose any serious health risk to the community (with the exception of Cr for
children eating fish at one sample site). A higher risk was identified for
children consuming snails, specifically with respect to Cr.
