TITLE:
Effect of Treated Waste Water Irrigation on Plant Growth and Soil Properties in Gaza Strip, Palestine
AUTHORS:
Yasser El-Nahhal, Khalil Tubail, Mohamad Safi, Jamal Safi
KEYWORDS:
TWW; FW; Corn; Chinese Cabbage; Heavy Metals
JOURNAL NAME:
American Journal of Plant Sciences,
Vol.4 No.9,
August
29,
2013
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.