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Abstract:The World Bank declared that the area located around the metallurgical complex of Elbasan is one of Albania's most important "hot spots" [12]. The region is endowed with good soils and climate. Elbasani district is the major agricultural area of the country, providing produce to both the Elbasan area and Tirana. However, because of the industrial activity of the metallurgical complex, the soils around it are very contaminated by heavy metals such as cadmium, nickel, chromium, lead, and copper. Consuming vegetables and other crops grown in this area presents a serious health risk to those eating these products. Immediate action is required to ameliorate the situation generally since all the natural resources (soil, water and air) have been contaminated. Sustainable development of this area, based upon our long-term strategy, will increase the incomes of the associated communities, increase their property values, and improve the health situation. To achieve these goals, we conducted a field research/demonstration program illustrating appropriate cropping systems, demonstrating to farmers the potential of particular plants to extract heavy metals from contaminated soils, and organizing within the study zone an educational program for both the local farmers and local authorities.

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