Effect of municipal wastewater irrigation and well water on plant and soil characteristics

Abstract

In order to investigate the effect of treated wastewater on forage yield, nutrient elements and heavy metals in corn plants (Zea maize, 704 single cross), a field experiment was conducted in RCBD with three treatments in four replications in 2017. Irrigation with well water as first treatment, irrigation with wastewater as second treatment and irrigation with well water and wastewater was alternately applied as a third treatment. The results showed that the highest amount of forage corn yield, stalk and ear dry weight, plant height and leaf number and spade index were obtained in irrigation with wastewater. The highest nitrogen content of leaf and stalk and corn grain was obtained in irrigation with wastewater treatment and the least amount in irrigation with well water treatment was obtained. The amount of phosphorus and potassium measured in leaf and stalk of corn in all three treatments were not significantly different. Also, the highest amount of iron and zinc in leaf and stalk of corn was obtained in irrigation with wastewater treatment. The results showed that the amount of heavy metals including lead, cadmium and nickel in soils were not significantly different in all three treatments. According to the results, the use of urban wastewater not only does not cause soil and plant pollution to heavy elements, but also increases plant yield and nutrition.