Abstract
The physico-chemical characteristics of Glaxo Laboratories (India) Ltd effluent (GLLE), and the effects of its discharge directly on fertile soil and indirectly on kidney bean Phaseolus aureus and pearl millet Pennisetum typhoides crops for 6 weeks, were evaluated. The GLLE was slightly alkaline and had high BOD and COD due to the presence of large amounts of solids. It was rich in bicarbonates and calcium. GLLE was found to be responsible for altering the chemical composition of the soil. Soil irrigated with GLLE showed an increase in pH, organic matter, calcium carbonate content, water-soluble salts, cation exchange capacity, electrical conductivity, nitrogen and phosphorus. Potassium decreased, probably due to it being leached to the lower layers of the soil. The effects of undiluted effluent and of effluent diluted to 75%, 50% and 25%, using water irrigation as a control, on the germination and growth of kidney bean and pearl millet were monitored. The undiluted GLLE restricted the germination of kidney bean to some extent while that of pearl millet was enhanced. 100% GLLE retarded the height of plants of both crops whilst 25% effluent in kidney bean, and 75% effluent in pearl millet, enhanced it considerably.
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