Influence of vermifiltered wastewater on the morphological, physiological and biochemical developments of Zea mays, Triticum aestivum and Sorghum bicolor seed germination

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Reclaimed wastewater is a potential source for irrigation, although its effect on seed germination and plant growth has not been widely investigated. The present study focused on treating wastewater by vermifiltration and investigating the effect on seed germination and seedling development of Zea mays, Triticum aestivum and Sorghum bicolor and their morphological, physiological and biochemical developments. A filter bed was constructed using indigenous and improved materials. The constituents used to develop the filter bed consist of matrix of garden soil, lateritic hardpan gravels and coconut coir inoculated with Eisenia fetida. RESULTS:The wastewater was obtained from a public septic tank toilet facility and contained 35-40% dry matter with high concentrations of total dissolve solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS), chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), total nitrogen (N tot ) and phosphorus (P avail ). Portable water was used as the control. Vermifiltration of the wastewater was shown to be effective for the removal of 52-65% TDS, 56-62% TSS, 34-40% COD, 48-52% BOD, 56-62% N tot and 53-58% P avail . The results showed that the morphological, physiological and biochemical processes in Z. mays, T. aestivum and S. bicolor improved when seeds were subjected to treated wastewater.CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that a potential reuse of vermifiltered wastewater as a source of irrigation water with continuous monitoring of the water quality is productive and sustainable.

Effective utilization of Coal Fly Ash (CFA): perspectives and opportunities in various industrial sectors and hydrocarbon extraction processes

“…A series of studies confirmed that the recovery of valuable proppants from CFA is a long-term strategic resource that increases oil and gas production [4]. A study conducted by Bose et al [47] demonstrated that the use of CFA as nanoproppants enhances fracture conductivity, reduces water production, and seals microfractures.…”

“…However, for increased effectiveness of this process, the introduction of nanoparticles prior to larger proppants placement becomes necessary. This approach successfully prevents fluid loss in the inner layers and significantly improves the conductivity of fractures and microfractures, thereby increasing production volume [4].…”

“…To solve the global environmental problem associated with ash waste, the increased applicability of these waste materials in various industrial sectors plays a crucial role. Among these sectors, construction, electronics, resource recovery, mining and oil industries, wastewater treatment, chemical and pharmaceutical industries, agriculture, ceramics, and metallurgy can be highlighted [4]. However, further research on the physical and chemical characteristics of waste from different sources is necessary for the more efficient utilization of these waste materials in order to inform stakeholders about the potential for increasing their utilization volumes.…”

“…The physical, chemical, and mineralogical properties of these waste materials, such as their morphology, surface area, porosity, and chemical composition (including silica dioxide, aluminum oxide, iron oxide, titanium dioxide, etc. ), make them suitable for various industrial processes [4].…”

“…During combustion, mineral matter associated with coal is carried away by flue gases and forms ash particles containing significant amounts of chemical oxides, with aluminum oxide and silicon dioxide being the major components. On a global scale, coal mining companies annually produce about 750 million metric tons of such industrial waste [4].…”