Changing effluent chemistry affect survival, growth and physiological function of Acacia nilotica seedlings in northwestern region of India

Abstract

Recycling and conservation efforts for water are the need of the day because of the lack of new water sources and the ever-increasing demand for drinking water. Seedlings of Acacia nilotica L. were irrigated with: canal water (T1, control); municipal effluent (T2); textile effluent (T3); steel effluent (T4); textile + municipal effluent in 1:1 ratio (T5); steel + municipal effluent in 1:2 ratio (T6); steel + textile in 1:2 ratio (T8) and steel + municipal + textile in 1:2:2 ratio (T7) with views to observe effluents effect on the seedlings and its adaptability and to recommend safe disposal of these effluents. Seedlings in T6, T7 and T8 showed 50% lesser height and collar diameter than those in control. Seedlings in T2 attained greatest height, collar diameter, numbers of branches and produced 140 g dry biomass seedling−1. Highest concentration of manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) and lowest concentration of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) in the seedlings of T4, T6, T7 and T8 resulted in nutritional imbalance, mineral toxicity and reduction in photosynthetic (Pn) and transpiration (E) rates and caused seedling mortality. Seedlings of T3 had highest sodium concentration and low concentration of Ca, Mg and micronutrients resulting in nutritional imbalance, augmented chlorosis and reduced gas exchange and biomass by half as compared to control. Increased growth, Pn and E and biomass in seedlings of T5 over T3 and survival period in T6, T7 and T8 seedlings suggested a beneficial effect of effluents mixing. Unscientific disposal should be avoided and toxic concentration of metal ions␣may be reduced for long-term application and harmless disposal of effluents in afforestation and urban development.