What type of study is this?

This is a Quantitative Study study.

September 19, 2025Open Access

Comparative Analysis of Household Agricultural Practices and Groundwater Quality in Two Transylvanian Communes: Ceanu Mare (Cluj County) and Chețani (Mureș County), Romania

Key Points

Chemical analysis shows that nitrate levels in groundwater remained below the 50 mg/L standard across all wells.
Survey data reveals differences in agricultural practices: Ceanu Mare uses more chemicals, while Chețani relies on organic methods.
Research involves structured questionnaires with 430 households in Ceanu Mare and 184 in Chețani, illustrating diverse resource management.
Findings underscore the need for integrated management and regular monitoring of groundwater quality to protect public health.

Abstract

This study provides a comparative analysis of agricultural practices, water resource management, and environmental risks in two rural communes of Transylvania, Romania—Ceanu Mare (Cluj County) and Chețani (Mureș County). Data were collected in June 2025 through structured questionnaires administered to 430 households in Ceanu Mare and 184 households in Chețani, representing over 30% and 20% of the total households, respectively. The research examines the structure of agricultural activity, use of fertilizers and pesticides, irrigation methods, and the local perception of pollution and subsidy programs. Both communes exhibit small-scale, household-based agriculture, but notable differences exist: Ceanu Mare demonstrates higher use of chemical inputs and environmental awareness, while Chețani relies more on organic fertilizers and private wells for irrigation. In addition to survey-based data, the study incorporates direct chemical analysis of household well water, assessing concentrations of nitrate (NO3−), nitrite (NO2−), ammonium (NH4+), and pH levels as indicators of groundwater quality and public health risk. The results reveal that NO3− remained below the 50 mg/L standard in all wells, while NO2− approached or slightly exceeded 0.50 mg/L in a few Ceanu Mare villages, underscoring the vulnerability of shallow wells to diffuse agricultural inputs and sanitation deficits. The study also characterizes the main agrochemical compounds used and discusses their potential impacts on water and soil quality, emphasizing nitrate leaching, phosphate runoff, and the persistence of pesticide residues as major risks. These findings underscore the necessity of integrated management strategies, regular monitoring of groundwater quality, and targeted policy interventions to ensure sustainable rural development and environmental protection in similar Central and Eastern European contexts.

Comparative Analysis of Household Agricultural Practices and Groundwater Quality in Two Transylvanian Communes: Ceanu Mare (Cluj County) and Chețani (Mureș County), Romania

Key Points

Abstract

Cite This Study

Also Consider

Also Consider