Abstract
This study investigated the effect of treated wastewater (TWW) irrigation on growth of Chinese cabbage and corn and on soil properties in Gaza Strip, Palestine. Chinese cabbage and corn were planted in winter and summer seasons respectively in a sandy soil. The experimental design was a randomized complete block using 2 treatments with 4 replicates. Soil samples were collected from 0.0-120 cm depths from all plots and analyzed for pH, electric conductivity (EC) and nutrient contents. The plants were irrigated with either TWW or fresh water (FW) fortified with NPK, while control used drip irrigation system. The biomass (total fresh weight of the plants) was used as an indicator of the plant yields. Concentration of heavy metals on plant leaves was determined by Inductive Coupled Plasma Analyzer (ICP) and was taken as an indicator of plant quality. Biomass of Chinese cabbage and corn grown in plots irrigated with TWW was higher than those grown in plots irrigated with FW. These results indicate the ability of TWW supplying the necessary nutrients for plant growth. Heavy metal content in plant leaves in all treatments (TWW and FW) was nearly similar and below EPA standards, indicating high quality of plants. Soil analysis showed great changes in soil properties due to irrigation with TWW. The interesting outcome of this study is that TWW is an effective source for plant nutrients. It is encouraging to reuse TWW in agricultural system after full treatment.
Highlights
The quantity of treated wastewater (TWW) in Gaza is about 111,900 m3/day [1]
This study investigated the effect of treated wastewater (TWW) irrigation on growth of Chinese cabbage and corn and on soil properties in Gaza Strip, Palestine
Biomass of Chinese cabbage and corn grown in plots irrigated with TWW was higher than those grown in plots irrigated with fresh water (FW)
Summary
The quantity of treated wastewater (TWW) in Gaza is about 111,900 m3/day [1]. This quantity is expected to increase during the coming years due to population growth. Guidelines for safe and effective reuse of TWW for agricultural purposes are not yet approved by the Palestinian Authority, or any Research Institute Regardless of this fact, this high quantity of TWW should be reused in the agricultural or industrial sectors to solve the problem of water quality in Gaza Strip Palestine. In the Spanish project the trial includes irrigation of citrus and olive trees in Gaza area (Stawi Farm in Al Zeitoon area, 100 dunums), and in the French project the trial includes irrigation of forage crops in North area ( beit Lahia, 40 dunums). These trials are not based on scientific research. They used the TWW without looking into the quality of the products or the effect of TWW in soil properties
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