Toxicity Study in Mice Fed with Corn Produced in Soil Containing Tannery Sludge Vermicompost and Irrigated with Domestic Wastewater

Growing food in unconventional systems such as those using irrigation with domestic wastewater and the use of potentially toxic waste has generated resistance from producers and consumers. Here, we evaluate the possible physical and biochemical damage to Swiss mice fed for 13 weeks with corn produced in soil containing tannery sludge vermicompost and irrigated with wastewater from domestic sewage. The corn was offered as an additional food to standard rodent chow at a daily concentration of 15 g/kg of body mass. The results showed no changes in body weight of the animals during the experimental period. The consumption of grain and weight gain of the animals was stable. The total protein, albumin, globulin and alkaline phosphatase levels did not differ among experimental groups. In addition, macroscopic analysis of the liver of the animals showed no sign of injury or disorders. Thus, we preliminarily conclude that the maize produced in this way is innocuous to animals. However, further studies are needed to evaluate other variables not measured in the present study which can contribute to food security and the nutrition of the corn thus produced.