CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF CITY WASTEWATER AND IT’S EFFECT ON GERMINATION OF SOME VEGETABLE SEEDS

Abstract

An experiment was carried out at the Agricultural Chemistry Laboratory, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University (HSTU), Dinajpur during the period from January to March and May, 2017 to assess the effects of city wastewater on seed germination and seedling growth of Abelmoschus esculentus (lady’s finger), Vigna unguiculata (yard long bean) and Cucumis sativus (cucumber) plants with application of five treatments i.e. T0 (control), T1 (3ml), T2 (5ml), T3 (7ml) and T4 (10ml) waste water. The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications. Analyses included pH, EC, cations (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+ , K+ , Zn2+, Cu2+, Mn2+ and Fe3+), anions (CO3 2-, HCO3 - , SO4 2-, PO4 3- and Cl- ) and TDS (total dissolved solids). We also computed several variables such as SAR (sodium adsorption ratio), SSP (soluble sodium percentage) and hardness to evaluate the suitability of city wastewater supply for specific uses. The pH were neutral to alkaline in nature (pH= 6.9 ~ 7.23) and could be suitable for agricultural and industrial uses. According to TDS and SAR values, all samples were classed as ‘Freshwater’ and ‘excellent’ categories. The effect of wastewater was compared to that of control (distilled water). The regular observation was made on seed germination and five days span was on the growth of the plants.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%) all over the experimental period because microbial activity was high and high toxicity showed the detrimental effects on the germination process of seed. The speed of germination, relative germination ratio and germination index were also highest at T0 (control) and lowest was in T1 (3ml) condition for Abelmoschus esculentus, Vigna unguiculata and Cucumis sativus. Shoot and root length of Abelmoschus esculentus (Lady’s Finger), Vigna unguiculata (Yard Long Bean) and Cucumis sativus (Cucumber) during the month of January, March and May 2017 at 5, 10 and 15 days after germination (DAG) were gradually enhanced 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 potential source of water for seed germination and plant growth in agricultural practices.