Efecto del uso de aguas residuales urbanas sobre el rendimiento y la calidad microbiológica del pimentón (Capsicum annun L.) cultivado en hidroponía.

The main objective of this study is to analyze the effect of treated wastewater from the Salguero station (Valledupar, Colombia) on the yield and microbiological quality of hydroponic paprika (Capsicum annun L.). The design is completely randomized with two treatments: 1) ARCSN: Cesar River water with nutrient solution; 2) ARTSN: residual treated water with nutritive solution. Total coliforms and thermotolerant coliforms are assessed on paprika fruits. The results show that the germination percentages for ARCSN and ARTSN are 78% and 82% respectively. The physicochemical and microbiological properties of the Cesar River wastewater and water comply with Colombian regulations. The levels of coliforms (<2 NMP/g) reported on paprika fruits are within the limits (<1000 NMP/g) allowed by the European Union. It is concluded that using urban wastewater for irrigating paprika is not a public health risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]