The effects of secondary treated wastewater irrigation on leafy vegetable growth under soil and soilless culture

The population growth and rapid urbanization, as well as climate change and the indiscrimination use of freshwater has lead to the era of water resources dwindling and water scarcity problem worldwide. Therefore, most researchers have shown great interest in treatment, recycling and reuse of wastewater particularly in agricultural activities. In general, wastewater contains beneficial features such as nutrients that is required for plants growth and development. However, the application of wastewater in irrigation may result in the presence of harmful trace metals to the plants which contribute to the unfavourable effects to the people. This paper discusses the effects of secondary treated wastewater irrigation on Brassica Campestris Sp. Parachinensis vegetable growth with soil and soilless culture. The study involves the assessment of macronutrients and trace elements characteristics in wastewater, soil and plants. The results revealed the significant concentrations of macronutrients and trace elements in soil and plants irrigated with secondary treated wastewater. Besides, macronutrients and trace elements concentrations were found higher in plant growth under soilless culture as compared to soil culture. However, most of parameters were found to meet the allowable limits regulated for health standard. Thus, secondary treated wastewater irrigation is applicable with proper monitoring and continuous assessments in order to prevent any long term risk associated to human and environmental.