Abstract

This study was conducted from February, 2013 to April, 2013 to evaluate parasitic contamination of vegetable at Melka Hida and Wonji Gefersa wastewater irrigated vegetable farms that are found in Adama Woreda. A total of 72 vegetables samples were collected from both farms using a random sampling technique. Among all vegetables examined, Ascaris lumbricoides eggs were detected in 22.22% (16/72) of spinach (Spinacea oleracea), 16.67% (12/72) of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and 23.61% (17/72) of cabbage (Brassica oleracea Linn). Giardia intestinalis cysts were detected in 18.06% (13/72) of spinach, 19.44% (14/72) of lettuce and 15.28% (11/72) cabbage samples. Of all parasitic contaminants Entamoeba histolytica cyst was the least detected parasite; 8.33% (6/72) of spinach, 12.5% (9/72) of lettuce and 8.33% (6/72) of cabbage samples from both farms. The high parasite contamination rates associated with these vegetable samples indicated poor farming practice employed in the overall production in the study area.

Key words: Awash River, contamination, parasite, vegetables.