Effect of alum factory effluent on fingermillet Eleusine coracana (L.) gaertn.

Abstract

The effect of an alum factory effluent sludge and effluent water was tested on seed germination, morphological characters, dry matter production and yield in fingermillet (var.AKP.2). Laboratory studies using ammonium alum, effluent water and potassium alum showed a reduction in per cent germination, root and shoot growth. L.D-50 was at 10.0, 20.0, 22.6% for ammonium alum, effluent water and potassium alum. Field experiments conducted with effluent sludge and effluent water revealed stimulation of growth in the above ground parts at low concentrations followed by a reduction together with earhead abnormalities at high concentrations. It is concluded that the alum factory effluent (sludge and water) is toxic to plant growth and suggested that the factory effluent be treated or diluted before its discharge from the factory premises.