Chemical composition of city wastewater and its effect on germination of some vegetable seeds

Abstract

Due to increasing shortage of fresh water, the use of city wastewater in agricultural purpose has become more popular day by day. This experiment was conducted to analyze the physico-chemical parameters of the city wastewater and its effect on seed germination and seedling growth of Abelmoschus esculentus (Lady’s Finger), Vigna unguiculata (Yard Long Bean) and Cucumis sativus (Cucumber) plants during the period of January, March and May, 2023 with the application of five treatments i.e. T0 (control), T1 (3ml), T2 (5ml), T3 (7ml) and T4 (10ml). The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications. Analyses included pH, EC, hardness, cations (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, Zn2+, Cu2+, Mn2+ and Fe3+), anions (CO32-, HCO3-, SO42-, PO43- and Cl-) and TDS (total dissolved solids), SAR (sodium adsorption ratio). The pH (6.9 ~ 7.23) was neutral to alkaline and could be suitable for agricultural uses. According to TDS and SAR values, all samples of wastewater were classified as ‘Freshwater’ and ‘excellent’ categories. T0 (control) and T3 (7ml) were showed the highest germination percentage (100%) for every month and T4 (10ml) was showed the lowest germination percentage (80%). The speed of germination, relative germination ratio and germination index were also highest at T0 (control) and lowest was in T1 (3ml) condition and again the shoot and root length of the vegetables were gradually enhanced with increasing concentration and highest shoot and root length found in T4 (10 ml) treatment and lowest shoot and root length observed in T0 (control) treatment. Thus, the city wastewater, after proper dilutions can be used as a promising source of water in agricultural practice.