Chromium in tannery industry effluent and its effect on plant metabolism and growth

Different dilution levels of tannery treated effluent and their corresponding concentration of chromium (Cr6+) were studied in a petridish culture experiment on seed germination and seedling growth in radish (Raphanus sativus L). The different concentrations of Cr6+ (2, 5 and 10 ppm) and treated tannery effluent (10, 25 and 50%) showed reduction in seedling growth and related enzymatic activities with increase in concentration of Cr6+ in treatments and effluent both. The low concentration of chromium (2 ppm) and effluent dilution (10%) showed significant growth reduction separately. At this concentration of chromium and effluent dilution chlorophyll content, amylase, catalase and protein contents remained unchanged while with increase in Cr6+ concentration (>2ppm) and effluent dilution (> 10%) in treatments showed growth inhibitory effects.     

Impact of fertilizer factory effluent on seed germination, seedling growth and chlorophyll content of gram (Cicer aeritenum)

In the present study effect of fertilizer factory effluent on seed germination, seedling growth and chlorophyll content of gram (Cicer aeritenum) has been carried out, at different concentration of the effluent and time intervals. The effluent is alkaline in nature with strong ammonia odour. The germination percentage of seed, seedling growth and chlorophyll content showed a gradual decline with increase in effluent concentration. At 25% concentration of the effluent, growth promotion in terms of root, shoot length and increase in chlorophyll content recorded at 21 days. However, at higher concentrations of the effluent toxic effects were observed at 21 days. The study suggests that the effluent can be used safely for Cicer aeritenum cultivation, only after proper treatment and dilution.     

Impact of paper mill effluent on growth and development of certain agricultural crops

The physico-chemical characteristics of paper mill industry effluent were measured and some were found to be above the permissible limits prescribed by Indian irrigation water standard. A study was conducted in pots to investigate the effects of different concentrations (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 and 100%) of paper mill effluent on growth and production of rice, mustard and peafor three years. The study reveals that the paper mill effluent has deleterious effect on the growth of crop at higher concentrations. However, at lower concentration (viz. 10 to 40% in rice, 10 to 50% in mustard and 10 to 60% in pea) of effluent, beneficial impact on general welfare of the crops was noticed. Growth and development was increased with increasing the concentration of the effluent up to 30% in rice, 40% in mustard and 50% in pea. Investigation showed that the growth and production of rice, mustard and pea was found maximum at a concentration of 30, 40 and 50% effluent respectively.     

Pollution level in distillery effluent and its phytotoxic effect on seed germination and early growth of maize and rice

The effluent from a Lucknow- based distillery (Mohan Meakin Distillery) was analyzed for physico-chemical and biological parameters of pollution and concentration of potentially toxic heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Ni and Zn) and the effect of the distillery effluent, as such and on 50% dilution with tap water was studied on seed germination and seedling growth of maize (Zea mays L.) and rice (Oryza sativa L.). The effluent was wine red in colour and highly acidic (pH approximately 55) and possessed decaying alcoholic smell. The effluent contained high values of different pollution parameters, particularly total solids, 3450 mgl(-1) (soluble plus suspended solids), alkalinity 1500 mgl(-1), biological oxygen demand (BOD, 1649 mgl(-1)) and chemical oxygen demand (COD, 2036 mgl(-1)). It had very low values of dissolved oxygen (DO, 0.34 mgl(-1)). The heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Ni and Zn) content, particularly the nickel concentration (0.029 mg l(-1)) was high. Use of the distillery effluent, even on 1:1 dilution with tap water inhibited germination and early seedling growth of maize and rice. In both maize and rice, more so in the former germination % of seeds, length of radicle and plumule and the fresh and dry weight of the seedlings were significantly reduced. The emerging leaves of the seedlings also developed visible effects of toxicity some of which resembled the symptoms of nickel toxicity. Our observations suggest that the effluent, as discharged from the distillery carry a heavy load of pollutants. Its discharge into the river Gomti poses a potential threat to the aquatic life, perticularly during the summer months when the water flow in the river is drastically reduced. The distillery effluentis also harmful for irrigating crops grown along the drain carrying it.     

Effect of rubber factory effluent on seed germination and seedling growth of Vigna radiatus L

Physico-chemical analysis of the rubber factory effluents revealed high amounts of total suspended and dissolved solids. Sulphate, phosphate, total nitrogen were also present in significant amounts. At higher concentration (above 50%) of effluent, the seed germination percentage was retarded. Diluted effluent (upto 50%) favoured seedling growth. Length of root system, shoot system and number of lateral roots were increased by low concentrations of effluent.     

Influence of short-term irrigation of textile mill wastewater on the growth of chickpea cultivars

The effect of textile mill wastewater on germination, delay index, physiological growth parameters, and plant pigments of two cultivars of chickpea was studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the suitability of textile mill wastewater (treated and untreated) at different concentrations (0, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, 75, and 100%) for irrigational purposes. The textile effluent did not show any inhibitory effect on seed germination at a lower concentration (6.25%). The other reported plant parameters (delay index, root length, shoot length, dry weight, chlorophyll, and carotenoid) also followed a similar trend. Seeds germinated in 100% effluents but did not survive for longer periods. It has also been concluded that the effect of the textile effluent is cultivar-specific, and due care should be taken before using the textile mill wastewater for irrigation purposes.     

Influence of short-term irrigation of textile mill wastewater on the growth of chickpea cultivars

The effect of textile mill wastewater on germination, delay index, physiological growth parameters, and plant pigments of two cultivars of chickpea was studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the suitability of textile mill wastewater (treated and untreated) at different concentrations (0, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, 75, and 100%) for irrigational purposes. The textile effluent did not show any inhibitory effect on seed germination at a lower concentration (6.25%). The other reported plant parameters (delay index, root length, shoot length, dry weight, chlorophyll, and carotenoid) also followed a similar trend. Seeds germinated in 100% effluents but did not survive for longer periods. It has also been concluded that the effect of the textile effluent is cultivar-specific, and due care should be taken before using the textile mill wastewater for irrigation purposes.     

Distillery effluent effect on seed germination,early seedling growth and pigment content of sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris Linn. var. mezzanau-poly)

Bioassay studies were carried out to assess the toxicity of distillery effluent on seed germination, seedling growth and pigment contents. Higher concentrations (> 5%) of effluent were found to be toxic but however, can be used for irrigational purpose after proper dilution.     

Response of plant species to coal-mine soil materials

A two-year experiment was conducted on the Black Mesa Coal Mine near Kayenta, Arizona to investigate the growth and establishment of seven plant species in unmined soil (undisturbed soil) and coal-mine soil (spoils). Natural rainfall (20 cm/yr) and natural rainfull plus sprinkler irrigation (50 cm/yr) were the irrigation treatments applied to each soil material. Plant species grew better in unmined soil than in coal-mine soil. Supplemental irrigation water resulted in more plant growth than did natural rainfall alone in both soil materials; however, there were highly significant differences among species. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and all of the annual perennial grasses used, excluding Indian ricegrass (Oryzopsis hymenoides Ricker), produced effective ground cover on both soil materials when they received supplemental irrigation water. Fourwing saltbush (Atriplex canescens Pursh.) had low germination (emergence), seedling establishment, and stem production during the first year of growth; however, in the second year of growth, this species produced a dense ground cover on coal-mine soil with natural rainfall plus irrigation. In revegetating the Black Mesa Coal Mine, Harlan II barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and Super X wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) provided initial protective cover until adapted perennial species could be established for permanent stabilisation. The Black Mesa Research Study indicated that irrigation water during seedling establishment was essential for the effective stabilisation of coal-mine soils in a semiarid environment.     

Organics in wheat and rye straw pulp bleaching and combined mill effluents (II) ecotoxicological screening

Potential environmental effects of the discharge of industrial wastewater from manufacturing of bleached straw pulp have been studied. Bleached neutral sulphite straw pulping results in discharges of both black cooking and spent bleaching liquors. Time proportional samples were taken from the combined bleaching effluent and the combined mill effluent, (i) Mutagenic activity of the two samples in an Ames’ test, and (ii) acute toxicity of the combined mill effluent sample towards the photosynthetic activity of natural marine phytoplankton from the receiving waters were determined. Also, acute toxicity was determined of the slowly biodegradable or persistent organics remaining after aerobic stabilization of the sample towards (ii) photosynthetic activity of natural phytoplankton, (iii) mussels (Mytilus edulis), (iv) eels (Anguilla anguilla) and, (v) crustacean (Nitocra spinipes); and furthermore, (vi) reproduction test of the crustacean and (vii) growth inhibition test of the marine diatom (Phaeodactylum tricornutum) were performed. Mutagenicity emission factors (MEF's) and toxicity emission factors (TEF's) were calculated to classify the effluents. Combined mill effluent sample showed a mutagenic activity per t₉₀ of one fourth the activity of a kraft pulp bleaching effluent, and the inhibition of the photosynthesis of natural phytoplankton was significant up to 2600 times dilution. After aerobic stabilization, inhibition was observed up to 400 times dilution. Other effects of the combined mill effluent sample were only significant below 40 times dilution. The bleaching effluent showed a mutagenic activity per t₉₀ comparable to kraft bleaching effluents. Other effects were only significant below 20 times dilution.     

Effects of fertiliser and intercropping on cadmium uptake by maize

This study investigated the effect of fertilisation and intercropping on the uptake of cadmium (Cd) by maize plants (Zea mays L. var. Guangtian-2). Maize was intercropped with soybean, peanut, chickpea, alfalfa, adzuki bean, garden pea, amaranth, Chinese mustard, and flowering Chinese cabbage. The results showed that most legumes substantially enhanced Cd uptake by maize under different fertiliser treatments. Cd accumulation in the leaf tissues of maize was increased by garden pea to 1.5 times the amount in the control (maize alone) with PK fertiliser. Maize intercropped with garden pea absorbed 1225 μg plant^?1 Cd and transferred 925.9 μg plant^?1 Cd to above ground tissues. Adzuki bean proved as the most valuable intercrop for enhancing Cd extraction from soil by maize owing to its relatively large maize bioconcentration factor of 5.9 and large transfer factor of 0.47 in the no fertiliser treatment. The results suggest that legumes caused a greater effect than non-legumes on Cd concentration in maize under different fertilisers; application of NPK fertiliser had positive effects on Cd level in intercropped maize.     

Impact of distillery effluent on germination behaviour of Brassica napus L

The study has been focused on effect of untreated distillery effluent (Devans Breweries Ltd., Jammu) on germination of gobi sarson (Brassica napus. L. var. Punjabi Special). Six treatments (E0.... E100) each having three replicates were made. E0 was taken as control in which tap water was used for irrigation of the plants. For E20, E40, E60, E80 and E100, different concentrations i.e. 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100% of effluent were used for irrigation, respectively. The 100% sample of distillery effluent analyzed for various physicochemical parameters showed acidic nature (pH 4.0) and higher values of COD (2496 mg l(-1)), TDS (799.7 mg l(-1)) and chlorides (1408 mg l(-1)). The parameters e.g. percent germination, germination index, speed of germination, and peak value were highest in treatment receiving 20% effluent concentration which also showed minimum values for percent inhibition, germination period, and delay index.     

广州市菜园土主要蔬菜重金属背景含量的研究

研究了广州市几个主要的蔬菜生产基地种植的白菜、芥蓝、芥菜、菜薹、萝卜、大白菜、豆瓣菜、结球甘蓝、芹菜、菜豆、豌豆、结球莴苣、尖叶莴苣、菠菜、番茄等15种蔬菜中Pb、Hg、Cd、Cr和As等5种重金属的背景质量分数。其背景质量分数为：Pb 0．002～0．148mg/kg；Hg ND-0．006mg/kg；Cd 0．001～0．034mg/kg；Cr 0．002～0．150mg/kg；As 0.001～0．070mg／kg。由于不同种类蔬菜的吸收特性和遗传特性有所不同，其重金属背景质量分数也有很大差异。蔬菜中元素水平还与土壤条件等因素有关。     

硅促进水稻种子萌发及缓解幼苗砷毒性的效应研究

通过As~(Ⅲ)胁迫下水稻种子的发芽试验和幼苗毒性试验,研究了外源硅对水稻种子发芽率、幼苗生长的影响及其缓解幼苗砷毒性的效应。外源硅的2种处理方式为种子萌发时添加外源硅(Si1)和采用硅处理液浸种(Si2)。结果表明,发芽时介质中As浓度达到10 mg·L~(-1)时显著抑制水稻种子萌发(P0.05),发芽率仅为80%,但是Si1和Si2处理下发芽率则提高到97%和100%,这说明外源硅可促进砷胁迫下水稻种子萌发;砷浓度≥5 mg·L~(-1)时,Si1和Si2处理均可提高水稻的相对幼苗高度和根耐性指数,提高幅度分别为6.00%~16.8%和57.9%~77.0%、7.10%~23.5%和54.2%~61.2%,并且降低了水稻幼苗砷含量,降低幅度分别为17.8%~21.4%和31.0%~49.1%。这说明外源硅处理可促进砷胁迫下水稻幼苗的生长;不同砷浓度处理与水稻芽长、根长及幼苗干重之间存在"S"型的剂量-效应关系,且外源硅显著提高了相应的EC50,缓解了砷对水稻幼苗生长的毒性。综上所述,砷胁迫下水稻种子萌发时添加外源硅或采用硅处理液浸种均可促进水稻种子萌发和幼苗生长,并降低了幼苗砷累积和缓解砷对水稻幼苗的毒性。     

Response in germination and seedling growth in Phaseolus mungo under salt and drought stress

The effect of salt and drought stress at the water potentials of-2, -4,-6and -8 bars induced by NaCl and PEG 6000 (Polyethylene glycol 6000) each, on germination and early seedling growth, were investigated for two varieties (PU-19 and Type-9). Electrical conductivity (EC) value of the NaCl solutions were 4.5, 8.8, 12.7 and 16.3 dS m(-1). Germination percentage, root and shoot length, and seedling fresh and dry weight were measured in the study. The objective was to determine genotypic differences among P. mungo varieties in terms of salt and drought stress and to determine factors (salt toxicity or osmotic stress due to PEG) inhibiting seed germination. The germination results revealed that the genotypes significantly differed for salt and drought stress. PU-19 appeared to be more tolerant to salt and drought stress comparable to var Type-9. Both NaCl and PEG inhibited germination and seedling growth in both the varieties, but the effects of NaCI compared to PEG was less on germination and seedling growth. All varieties were able to germinate at all NaCl levels without significant decrease in germination, while a drastic decrease in germination was recorded at -6 and -8 bars of PEG. It was concluded that inhibition in germination at equivalent water potential of NaCl and PEG was mainly due to an osmotic effect rather than salt toxicity.     

Impact of anaerobically treated and untreated (raw) distillery effluent irrigation on soil microflora, growth, total chlorophyll and protein contents of Phaseolus aureus L

Impact of distillery effluent (untreated and treated) irrigation on soil microflora of the pots used for growing Phaseolus aureus L. was investigated. The growth of the P. aureus plants as affected by distillery effluent irrigation was also evaluated. The irrigation of the pots by 1-10% distillery effluent (anaerobically treated) stimulated the growth of the soil microflora (increased number of bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes) and P. aureus plants (increased shoot and root lengths, biomass, chlorophyll and protein contents). Further, 15-20% distillery effluent (anaerobically treated) had toxic effect on soil micro flora as indicated by reduced number of bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes. Reduction in shoot, root, lengths, biomass, chlorophyll, protein contents of P. aureus was also observed when irrigated by 15-20% treated distillery effluent. All the concentrations of raw distillery effluent reduced the bacterial population. However, the treated distillery effluent concentrations <10% had stimulatory effect on fungal and actinomycetes population. However, raw effluent concentrations >5% reduced the same. Raw distillery effluent was more toxic to P. aureus than treated distillery effluent as concentrations >5%, had reduced the growth (shoot, root length and biomass) of the test plant. Raw distillery effluent had adverse effect to total chlorophyll contents and all the test concentrations reduced the total chlorophyll level. However, untreated (raw) distillery effluent stimulated the protein content initially. It has been concluded from-present study that lower concentrations of the raw distillery effluent (1-5%) and treated distillery effluent (1-10%) had stimulated the growth of P. aureus and soil microflora except soil bacteria (inhibited by all the concentration of the raw effluent). However, higher concentrations (raw effluent: 10-20%; treated effluent 15-20%) had toxicity to test parameters.     

Bioremediation of shrimp biofloc wastewater using clam,seaweed and fish

The aim of this study was to evaluate the bioremediation of effluents in the biofloc culture of shrimp juveniles using clams, seaweed and fish. Four treatments were considered: CLT – without bioremediating organisms; AB – using Anomalocardia brasiliana; GB – using Gracilaria birdiae and ON – using Oreochomis niloticus with 2.5?kg wet weight per m³ of shrimp effluent. In the AB treatment, significant differences were observed in the effluent at the end of the experiment (96?h) for values of nitrite-nitrogen, nitrate, alkalinity, TSS and orthophosphate. The ISS and VSS levels recorded for the AB treatment varied respectively from 336 to 127?mg?L^?1, and from 505 to 130?mg?L^?1, with a corresponding gradual reduction of approximately 62% and 74% at the end of the experiment. The use of a clam species to treat effluents in a biofloc system with salinity near 25?g?L^?1 reduced waste solids and increased the nitrification process from 72 to 96?h, indicating that this clam can be used as a bioremediator and contributes to effluent treatment in shrimp.     

Differential effect of cadmium and mercury on growth and metabolism of Solanum melongena L. seedlings

The present investigation reports the results of the effect of cadmium and mercury individually on seed germination, seedling growth, number of lateral roots, fresh and dry weights and seedling metabolism in Solanum melongena. Effect of different concentrations of these two heavy metals (Cadmium--50, 100, 300, 500, 700, 1000, 3000, 5000, 7000 and 9000 ppm and Mercury--5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 ppm) and durations for 6, 12 and 24 h were employed for all seedling parameters of brinjal. Both Cd and Hg showed drastic effects at high concentrations and longer duration with regard to seedling growth and metabolism.     

Studies of VA-Mycorrhizal fungi associated with some weed plants in sugar mill effluent soils

This study is to isolate the effluent strain of VAM fungi from polluted soils of sugar mill effluents. Analysis showed that pH and EC was more but the organic matter is less when compared to non-polluted soils. Even though there was low P content that enhances the mycorrhizal infection, the percent of root colonization was less than 75% in polluted study site. The number of VAM propagules and its distribution were also greatly affected due to various factors. Nine different VAM species were isolated and identified from the polluted study site. Using Allium cepa L. as the host plant the efficiency of the native effluent tolerant strains of VAM fungi isolated from the polluted study site was determined. Highest growth rate, high dry weight of gram per plant and increased growth was observed in the order of Glomus intraradices followed by Gigaspora margarita and Glomus fasciculatum. Consequence of the study clearly showed that Glomus intraradices was the efficient strain in sugar mill effluent polluted areas.     

Effects of secondarily-treated sewage effluent on the early life-history stages of two species of brown macroalgae: Hormosira banksii and Durvillaea potatorum

Sewage effluent has a deleterious effect on the early life-history stages of Hormosira banksii (Turner) Decaisne and Durvillaea potatorum (Labillardière) Areschoug. High concentrations of sewage effluent (28 and 40% in seawater) inhibit zygote germination by 55 to 95%, retard embryo growth (80 to 100%) and cause severe embryo mortality, with less than 60 and 5% surviving after 14 d, respectively. It is probable that such adverse effects would significantly reduce levels of recruitment of these species in sewage-affected localities, and that sewage effluent has played an important role in the decline of these species from several rock platforms in south-east Victoria, Australia. Zygote germination, embryo growth and embryo mortality were inhibited 40% more strongly in sewage effluent than diluted seawater, showing that the effect of sewage effluent is not simply one of seawater dilution. However, this effect was only observed at high concentrations (28 and 40%). The absence of any difference between the low concentrations of sewage effluent (4 and 12% in seawater) and diluted seawater suggests that the dilution of waste water is important in mitigating its more harmful effects. The sensitivity of H. banksii and D. potatorum embryos to the composition of the medium in which they grow and the ease with which they can be manipulated in culture suggest that they may be utilised as biological indicators of water quality.