Ten years ago, Thai epidemiologists noticed unusual clusters of kidney disease among elderly people around the town of Mae Sot. Heavy metal poisoning was suspected. A research team, including scientists from the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), demonstrated that an irrigation system dissecting an area rich in minerals was contaminating local rice. Thanks to their efforts, farmers received compensation and training so that they could switch to growing inedible crops valuable for biofuels.
IWMI (2012): Changing to Biofuel Crops Makes Productive Use of Contaminated Water. Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI) URL [Accessed: 26.03.2012]