Textile effluents affected seed germination and early growth of some winter vegetable crops: A case study

In order to assess as to whether treated textile effluent could be safely used to irrigate some winter vegetables, growth room experiments were conducted. Varying levels of treated and untreated textile effluents were applied to germinating seeds of some winter vegetables and their effect was evaluated on germination and early growth stage using seed germination, growth, and biochemical attributes. From the results, it was obvious that textile effluent reduced seed germination and early growth of all vegetables. However, this effect was more pronounced at the highest concentration of textile effluent. Furthermore, treated textile effluent did not show any inhibitory effect on seed germination of all vegetables. Photosynthetic pigments such as chlorophyll a and b, and protein contents were higher in the leaves of all vegetable plants irrigated with treated textile effluent than those of supplied with untreated textile effluents. It has been observed that heavy metals were lower in concentration in treated textile effluent as compared with untreated textile effluent. However, germination and growth responses of all three vegetables were different to treated or untreated textile effluents. Furthermore, the Raphanus sativus ranked as tolerant followed by Brassica campastris and Brassica napus based on germination and growth responses. In conclusion, in view of shortage of water, textile effluent could safely be used for irrigation to vegetables after proper processing. © 2008 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.