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Publish Date : 2014-11-10
Journal of Environment and Health Science

Distribution, Enrichment and Accumulation of Heavy Metals in Soil and Vigna Mungo L. Hepper (Black gram) after Irrigation with Distillery Wastewater

Vinod Kumar
Vinod Kumar1*, A.K. Chopra1 and Sachin Srivastava2
Article information 

Affiliation

  • 1Agro-ecology and Pollution Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology and Environmental Science, Gurukula Kangri University, Haridwar-249404 (Uttarakhand), India
  • 2Department of Life Science, School of Engineering and Technology, Desh Bhagat University, Mandi, Gobindgarh-147301 (Punjab), India

Corresponding Author

Kumar, V. Agro-ecology and Pollution Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology and Environmental Science, Gurukula Kangri University, Haridwar-249404 (Uttarakhand), India E-mail: drvksorwal@gkv.ac.in

Citation

Kumar, V. et al. Distribution, Enrichment and Accumulation of Heavy Metals in Soil and Vigna Mungo L. Hepper (Black Gram) After Irrigation with Distillery Wastewater. (2014) J Environ Health Sci 1(1): 1-8.

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© 2014 Kumar, V. This is an Open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Keywords

Accumulation; Agronomical practices; Black gram; Distillery wastewater; Enrichment Irrigation; Heavy metals

Abstract

 

  The present investigation was aimed to study the distribution, enrichment and accumulation of heavy metals in soil and Vigna mungo (Black gram, var. Pant U-30) after irrigation with distillery wastewater. A field experiment was conducted in the experimental garden of Gurukula Kangri University, Haridwar during the year 2012 and 2013. Treatments of distillery wastewater viz. 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% was used for irrigation of V. mungo along with bore well water (control). The results revealed that distillery wastewater showed significant (P < 0.05/ P < 0.01) effect on the soil characteristics viz., EC, pH, Cl-, OC, Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Fe2+, TKN, PO43-, SO42-, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn and Zn of the soil. The soil characteristics were recorded to be positively correlated with different concentration of distillery wastewater. The agronomical characteristics viz., shoot length, root length, number of flowers, pods, dry weight, chlorophyll content, leaf area index (LAI), crop yield and harvest index (HI) of V. mungo were recorded maximum with 40% concentration of distillery wastewater. The biochemical components viz., crude proteins, crude fiber and crude carbohydrates were noted maximum with 40% concentration of distillery wastewater. The enrichment factor of heavy metals was in the order of Cd>Cr>Zn>Cu>Mn for soil and Cu>Mn>Zn>Cr>Cd for V. mungo after irrigation with distillery wastewater. The accumulation of various heavy metals in different parts of V. mungo were in order of leaves>shoot>root> fruits for Cu, Mn and Zn, root>shoot>leaves>fruit for Cd and Cr after distillery wastewater irrigation. Therefore, the distillery wastewater with appropriate dilution can be used as a bio-fertigant for the V. mungo.

Introduction
 

  The disposal of wastewater is a major problem faced by distilleries due to generation of high volume of wastewater and with limited space for land based treatment and disposal[1-3]. On the other hand, wastewater is also a resource that can be applied for productive uses since wastewater contains nutrients that have the potential for cultivation of agricultural crops[4-6]. Irrigation with wastewaters is known to contribute significantly to the heavy metals content of soil as well as crop plants[7,8]. Excessive accumulation of heavy metals in agricultural soils through wastewater irrigation may not only result in soil contamination, but also affect food quality and safety[9-11]. India has nearly 330 distilleries producing about 3,500 million liter alcohol[12]. They generate a huge amount of waste water (spent wash) with high chemical oxygen demand (COD) and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD)[13,14].

  Black gram (Vigna mungo or Phaseolus mungo) is one of the most important pulse crops for human consumption in India and Middle East[15]. It is used green or dried, fresh or canned, and for stock feed. The roasted seed of black gram are eaten like peanuts. It is rich in protein, vitamins, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, iron and fibers[16]. It is largely used to make dal from the whole or split, de husked seeds. The bean is boiled and eaten whole or, after splitting, made into dal prepared like this it has an unusual mucilaginous texture. It is also extensively used in South Indian culinary preparations such as idli-dosa batter, idli-rice, vada and paapad. The utilization of industrial waste as soil amendment and irrigation of agricultural crops has generated interest in recent times[17]. Recently various studies have been conducted on the characteristics of industrial wastewaters and their effects on soil properties and agricultural crops[18-21]. But much attention has not been paid so far on the use of distillery wastewater on agronomical practices of black gram (V. mungo). Keeping in view the problem of wastewater disposal, scarcity of irrigation water and reuse of wastewater, their effect on soil quality, accumulation of heavy metals and economic importance of V. mungo, the present investigation was undertaken to study the enrichment and accumulation of heavy metals in soil and Vigna mungo L. (Black gram) after irrigation with distillery wastewater.

 
Materials and Methods
 

Experimental design
  A field study was conducted in the Experimental Garden of the Department of Zoology and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Gurukula Kangri University Haridwar, India (29o55'10.81'' N and 78o96 07'08.12'' E), during the year 2012 and 2013. Six plots (each plot had an area of 9 m²) were selected for six treatments of distillery wastewater viz. 0% (control), 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% for the cultivation of V. mungo. The experiment was conducted under completely randomized designed and replicated by three times.

 

Wastewater collection and analysis
  Shamli Distillery and Chemical Works, Shamli (Uttar Pradesh) was selected for the collection of wastewater samples. The treated wastewaters were collected from outlet of the wastewater treatment plant situated in the campus of the distillery. The wastewater brought to the laboratory and was analyzed for various physico-chemical and microbiological parameters viz., TDS, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), chlorides (Cl-), sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), calcium(Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), phosphate (PO43-), iron (Fe), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), standard plate count (SPC) and most probable number (MPN) following standard methods[22] and further used for irrigation of V. mungo.

 

Sowing of seeds, irrigation pattern and soil analysis
  The seeds of Vigna mungo (var. Pant U-30) were procured from Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR), Pusa, New Delhi and sterilized with 0.01% mercuric chloride and was soaked for 12 hours. Seeds were sown in 10 rows with a distance of 30.0cm between rows, while distance between the seeds was 15cm. The thinning was done manually after 15 days of germination to maintain the desired plant spacing and to avoid competition between plants. Plants in each plot were fertigated twice in a month with 50 gallons of distillery wastewater with 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% treatments along with bore well water as the control. The soil was analyzed before sowing and after harvesting of crop for various physico-chemical parameters viz. bulk density (BD), water holding capacity (WHC), soil texture, EC, pH , Cl-, OC, Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Fe2+, TKN, PO43-, SO42-, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn and Zn following standard methods[23].

 

Study of crop parameters
  Agronomical parameters of V. mungo from germination to maturity (0-90 days) like seed germination, relative toxicity, shoot length, root length, dry weight, chlorophyll content, leaf area index (LAI), number of flowers, number of pods and crop yield and harvest index (HI) were determined following standard methods[24]. The nutrients quality of V. mungo was determined by using the following parameters viz., crude protein, crude fiber and total carbohydrate in dry matter were determined by the anthrone reagent method[23]

 

Extraction of heavy metals and their analysis
  For heavy metal extraction 10ml sample of distillery wastewater and 1.0g of air dried soil or plants were taken in digestion tubes separately. In each sample 3ml of concentrate HNO3 was added and digested in an electrically heated block for 1hour at 145oC. To this mixture 4ml of HClO4 was added and heated to 240oC for 1hour. The mixture was cooled and filtered through Whatman # 42 filter paper and aliquot was made to 50ml with double distilled water and used for analysis. Heavy metals were analyzed using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) following methods of Chaturvedi and Sankar[23]. The enrichment factor for heavy metals accumulated in distillery wastewater irrigated soil and V. mungo was calculated following Kumar and Chopra[24].

 

Statistical analysis
  Data were subjected to two-way ANOVA by using SPSS (ver. 12.0, SPSS Inc., Chicago, Ill.). Duncan's multiple range test was also performed to determine the difference was significant or non significant. Mean standard deviation and coefficient of correlation (r-value) of soil and crop parameters with wastewater concentrations were calculated with MS Excel (ver. 2003, Microsoft Redmond Campus, Redmond, WA) and graphs were plotted with Sigma plot (ver. 12.3, Systat Software, Inc., Chicago, IL).

 
Results and Discussion
 

Characteristics of distillery wastewater
  The characteristics of distillery wastewater at various concentrations are shown in table 1. The effluent was acidic in nature. The low pH of distillery wastewater might be due to the presence of higher concentration of organic acids such as CH3COOH[24,25]. The wastewater was rich in Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Fe2+, TKN, NO32-, PO43- and SO42- and were found beyond the prescribed limit of Indian irrigation standards[26]. The higher values BOD, COD, TKN and PO43- might be due to the presence of high oxidizable organic matter and rapid consumption of dissolved inorganic materials[27-29]. The values of Na+, K+, Mg2+ and SO42- were also found higher in wastewater, which is associated with higher EC of the distillery wastewater[30,31]. The concentration of heavy metals viz. Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn and Zn were also found higher in distillery wastewater than the permissible limit given by bureau of Indian standard (Table 1). Total bacterial count and most probable number showed higher load of microbial species in distillery wastewater and it likely due to higher organic load of distillery wastewater[32].

 

Table 1: Physico-chemical, heavy metals and microbiological characteristics of distillery wastewater.

Parameter Bore well water (Control) Wastewater concentration (%) BISa for irrigation water
20 40 60 80 100
TDS( mg L -1) 150.20 ± 5.56 400.80 ± 5.78 810.34.75 ± 6.23 1240.50 ± 7.10 1680.68 ± 6.90 2148.50 ± 7.30 1900
EC(dS m-1) 0.42 ± 0.02 0.42 ± 0.02 1.37 ± 0.04 1.75 ± 0.05 2.54 ± 0.06 3.09 ± 0.12 -
pH 7.84 ± 1.04 7.75 ± 1.03 7.65 ± 1.06 6.98 ± 1.03 6.88 ± 1.02 6.75 ± 1.04 5.5 - 9.0
DO( mg L-1) 8.88 ± 1.23 5.12 ± 1.04 4.80 ± 1.01 3.67 ± 0.45 2.50 ± 0.07 1.04 ± 0.02 -
BOD( mg L-1) 4.68 ± 1.05 240.50 ± 2.45 484.60 ± 3.24 725.84 ± 4.50 910.50 ± 4.80 1150.68 ± 5.50 100
COD( mg L-1) 6.10 ± 1.08 320.40 ± 3.12 644.66 ± 3.58 970.40 ± 4.80 1298.34 ± 6.10 1640.60 ± 6.30 250
Cl-( mg L-1) 50.20 ± 2.30 150.60 ± 2.40 305.80 ± 3.45 460.12 ± 3.88 618.90 ± 4.55 780.50 ± 5.20 500
Na+ ( mg L-1) 6.20 ± 0.20 12.45 ± 1.04 24.90 ± 1.05 40.70 ± 2.12 52.48 ± 2.50 75.34 ± 3.10 -b
K+ ( mg L-1) 12.24 ± 1.25 35.50 ± 2.40 75.60 ± 2.55 120.40 ± 2.78 156.80 ± 2.90 205.20 ± 3.40 -
Ca2+ ( mg L-1) 20.15 ± 0.50 200.40 ± 405.50 ± 610.55 ± 4.25 812.90 ± 4.88 1020.00 ± 5.00 200
Mg2+(mg L-1) 8.04 ± 0.21 40.56 ± 1.98 82.55 ± 2.66 115.50 ± 2.34 168.90 ± 2.98 208.98 ± 2.65 -
TKN (mg L-1) 12.10 ± 1.05 50.35 ± 2.76 104.30 ± 2.77 156.80 ± 2.70 265.90 ± 3.56 318.60 ± 4.57 100
PO43- ( mg L-1) 0.05 ± 0.00 60.50 ± 1.05 122.79 ± 1.24 190.20 ± 3.79 245.65 ± 3.77 302.10 ± 4.25 -
SO42-( mg L-1) 84.50 ± 0.67 140.50 ± 2.70 284.65 ± 4.67 412.80 ± 4.96 572.40 ± 5.20 710.50 ± 6.75 1000
Fe2+ (mg L-1) 0.25 ± 0.04 4.10 ± 0.12 8.22 ± 0.24 13.78 ± 1.05 16.90 ± 1.45 21.78 ± 1.69 1.0
Cd ( mg L-1) BDLc 1.24 ± 0.04 2.50 ± 0.07 3.80 ± 0.07 5.04 ± 0.08 6.45 ± 0.10 15
Cr ( mg L-1) BDL 0.40 ± 0.02 0.82 ± 0.04 1.23 ± 0.03 1.65 ± 0.05 2.25 ± 0.08 2.00
Cu ( mg L-1) 0.21 ± 0.03 2.50 ± 0.12 5.02 ± 0.14 7.55 ± 0.24 10.12 ± 0.44 13.10 ± 0.58 3.00
Mn ( mg L-1) 0.06 ± 0.01 1.60 ± 0.05 3.10 ± 0.07 4.76 ± 0.06 6.25 ± 0.08 8.94 ± 0.07 1.00
Zn ( mg L-1) 0.12 ± 0.02 2.70 ± 0.12 5.25 ± 0.24 7.78 ± 0.34 10.54 ± 0.45 13.10 ± 0.67 2.00
SPC(SPC ml-1) 4.80×10² ± 120 8.50×105 ± 140 9.30×106 ± 140 6.80×107 ± 150 9.40×108 ± 150 7.20×1010 ± 160 10000
MPN(MPN100 ml-1) 2.20×10² ± 100 3.20×10³ ± 120 5.40×10³ ± 130 6.20×104 ± 110 5.30×105 ± 130 8.10×106 ± 140 5000

Mean± SE of six replicates; aBIS- Bureau of Indian standard; b- Not defined in standard; cBDL- Below detection limit.

 

Effect of wastewater irrigation on soil characteristics
  The soil characteristics after irrigation of V. mungo with different concentrations of distillery wastewater are presented in (Table 2). All the concentrations of distillery wastewater showed significant increase in the OC, Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Fe2+, TKN, PO43-, SO42-, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn and Zn of the soil. It might be attributed to higher organic load of distillery wastewater[33-37]. Similarly, earlier studies of soil irrigated with distillery wastewater also showed an increase for these parameters as reported by Kumar and Chopra[26]. The findings were in accordance with Pandey et al[38].
  The higher values of EC of distillery wastewater irrigated soil indicated enrichment of soluble cations and anions such as Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Fe2+, TKN, PO43-, and SO42- through the use of wastewater in different concentrations[38]. In the present study, there was a maximum increase in the EC (3.78dSm-1) of soil as the concentration of distillery effluent increased up to 100%. This might be due to increase in concentration of potassium salts which are mainly responsible for increasing the EC of the distillery wastewater as also reported by Chandra et al.[2]

 

Table 2: Change in physico-chemical characteristics of soil before and after irrigation of V. mungo with distillery wastewater.

Parameter Bore well water (Control) Wastewater concentration (%) Fcalculated Critical difference
20 40 60 80 100
EC(dS m-1) 1.98 ± 0.08 1.24a ± 0.05 2.48a ± 0.06 2.86a ± 0.04 3.24a ± 0.06 3.78a ± 0.07 24.51** 0.33
pH 7.45 ± 1.10 7.41 ± 1.02 7.12 ± 1.06 6.85a ± 1.07 6.44a ± 1.00 6.30a ± 1.01 5.42ns 0.55
OC(mg Kg-1) 0.34 ± 0.04 1.84a ± 0.08 3.68a ± 0.09 5.75a ± 0.09 7.45a ± 0.07 9.75a ± 0.12 184.22*** 1.52
Na+ ( mg Kg-1) 12.48 ± 1.08 20.48 ± 1.62 36.48a ± 2.44 60.55a ± 2.88 80.36a ± 3.44 96.45a ± 3.12 55.84** 8.75
K+( mg Kg-1) 145.23 ± 3.85 158.75a ± 2.44 215.50a ± 2.88 254.70a ± 3.47 275.80a ± 4.34 312.50a ± 4.84 92.81** 10.24
Ca2+ ( mg Kg-1) 18.24 ± 1.25 24.50a ± 2.14 125.40a ± 2.75 165.80a ± 2.74 204.88a ± 3.47 243.50a ± 4.28 598.70** 8.69
Mg2+(mg Kg-1) 1.85 ± 0.25 5.44 ± 0.44 28.54a ± 0.74 45.80a ± 1.63 75.85a ± 2.36 114.55a ± 2.84 32.58** 6.22
TKN (mg Kg-1) 22.80 ± 2.14 80.50a ± 2.40 150.36a ± 2.64 280.50a ± 2.96 340.58a ± 2.75 465.75a ± 2.94 4368*** 10.78
PO43- ( mg Kg-1) 45.85 ± 2.36 52.40a ± 1.89 70.25a ± 1.75 140.75a ± 1.96 194.56a ± 2.80 230.40a ± 2.75 742.62** 9.7
SO42-( mg Kg-1) 80.25 ± 1.74 90.36a ± 1.25 120.36a ± 2.47 160.47a ± 2.41 180.75a ± 2.10 210.80a ± 2.30 42.63** 8.75
Fe2+ (mg Kg-1) 1.89 ± 0.02 2.56 ± 0.04 4.58a ± 0.07 6.47a ± 0.08 8.36a ± 0.05 10.45a ± 0.06 28.57** 2.36
Cd ( mg Kg-1) 0.45 ± 0.01 0.87a ± 0.02 1.45a ± 0.03 2.05a ± 0.04 2.75a ± 0.06 5.42a ± 0.07 39.63*** 0.53
Cr ( mg Kg-1) 0.15 ± 0.00 0.24 ± 0.01 0.42a ± 0.02 0.94a ± 0.04 1.18a ± 0.06 1.75a ± 0.06 4.12*** 0.012
Cu ( mg Kg-1) 1.36 ± 0.12 1.52 ± 0.44 2.42a ± 0.56 4.95a ± 0.64 6.34a ± 0.75 8.69a ± 0.75 98.36*** 0.56
Mn ( mg Kg-1) 0.75 ± 0.02 0.88 ± 0.03 1.44a ± 0.07 1.96a ± 0.08 2.45a ± 0.09 3.08a ± 0.04 10.42*** 0.07
Zn ( mg Kg-1) 1.48 ± 0.12 2.62 ± 0.41 4.36a ± 0.55 6.34a ± 0.77 8.12a ± 0.64 10.10a ± 0.49 45.30*** 1.28

Mean ± SE of six replicates; Significant F -***P > 0.1%, **P >1% level,*P> 5% level; ns - non significant; a - significantly different to the control

 

  The ANOVA showed that 20% to 100% concentrations of distillery wastewater showed significant (P < 0.05/P < 0.01) changes in OC, Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Fe2+, TKN, PO43-, SO42-, Zn, Cd, Cu, Cr and Mn of the soil (Table 2). The coefficient of correlation (r-value) on soil characteristics revealed that EC, pH OC, Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Fe2+, TKN, PO43-, SO42-, Zn, Cd, Cu, Mn and Cr were observed to be positively correlated with all distillery wastewater concentrations (Table 3). Moreover, the enrichment factor indicated the enrichment of heavy metals in the soil and was found in order of Cd>Cr>Zn>Cu>Mn after irrigation with distillery wastewater (Figure1).

 

Table 3: Coefficient of correlation (r) between distillery wastewater and soil characteristics.

Distillery wastewater /soil characteristics r - value
Distillery wastewater versus soil EC +0.95
Distillery wastewater versus soil pH +0.75
Distillery wastewater versus soil OC +0.90
Distillery wastewater versus soil Na+ +0.88
Distillery wastewater versus soil K+ +0.92
Distillery wastewater versus soil Ca2+ +0.94
Distillery wastewater versus soil Mg2+ +0.95
Distillery wastewater versus soil TKN +0.97
Distillery wastewater versus soil PO43- +0.90
Distillery wastewater versus soil SO42- +0.92
Distillery wastewater versus soil Fe2+ +0.95
Distillery wastewater versus soil Cd +0.97
Distillery wastewater versus soil Cr +0.98
Distillery wastewater versus soil Cu +0.97
Distillery wastewater versus soil Mn +0.98
Distillery wastewater versus soil Zn +0.96
 
http://www.ommegaonline.org/admin/journalassistance/picturegallery/522.jpg

Figure 1: Enrichment factor of heavy metals in soil after irrigation with distillery effluent. Error bars are standard error of the mean.

 

Effect on seed germination of V. mungo
  The maximum seed germination (90.00%) of V. mungo was observed with control while the minimum (78.00%) was noted with 100% concentration of distillery wastewater (Figure 2). The seed germination of V. mungo was found to be negatively correlated (r = -0.97) with distillery wastewater. The maximum relative toxicity (RT) against seed germination of V.mungo was recorded with 100% concentration of distillery wastewater (Figure 3). The RT was observed to be positively correlated (r = +0.95) with different concentrations of distillery wastewater. This type of germination pattern of V. mungo is likely due to the presence of toxicants in higher concentration of wastewater, which may inhibit the germination at higher concentrations. In addition, that the availability, uptake and leaching of nutrients is greatly influenced by a number of physico-chemical factors. Among various physico-chemical factors, the pH plays a significant role in the soil. In the acidic soil environment, the availability of the basic cations like Ca2+, Mg2+, K+ and Na+ becomes lower due to leaching. Thus the availability of these nutrients decreases as per increase in the acidic character of the soil. However, it directly affects the germination and growth of the crop plants[39,40].

 
http://www.ommegaonline.org/admin/journalassistance/picturegallery/523.jpg

Figure 2: Seed germination of V. mungo after irrigation with distillery effluent. Error bars are standard error of the mean.

 
http://www.ommegaonline.org/admin/journalassistance/picturegallery/524.jpg

Figure 3: Relative toxicity of distillery effluent against seed germination of V.mungo. Error bars are standard error of the mean.

 

Effect on vegetative growth of V. mungo
  At vegetative growth (45days after planting) of V mungo the maximum shoot length, root length, chlorophyll content, LAI and dry weight of V. mungo were noted with 40% concentration of distillery wastewater (Table 4). The distillery wastewater irrigation had significant (P < 0.05) effect on shoot length of V. mungo whereas root length, chlorophyll content, LAI and dry weight of V.mungo were noted non-significantly (P > 0.05) affected after distillery wastewater irrigation. At vegetative growth stage the performance of V. mungo was gradually increased from 20% to 40% concentration of distillery wastewater, and decreased when the wastewater concentrations increased from 60% to 100%. The agronomical parameters at vegetative growth stage showed positive correlation with distillery wastewater concentrations (Table 5). These observations were in agreement with earlier reported results by Albino and Murugan[15]. Kumar and Copra[24] also reported that 25% concentration of distillery wastewater was found to be beneficial for the growth of shoot and root in V. radiate (L.) plants as compared to control, indicating the enhancing influence of plant nutrients present in the wastewater. Bharagava et al[5] also found that post distillery wastewater irrigation increases the chlorophyll and protein contents in Indian mustard plants (Brassica nigra L.) at the lower concentrations (25% and 50%) of distillery wastewater followed by a decrease at higher concentrations (75% and 100%) of distillery wastewater as compared to their respective controls.

 

Table 4: Effect of distillery wastewater irrigation on agronomical characteristics of V. mungo.

Wastewater concentration (%) Vegetative growth stage (45 DAP) Flowering (60 DAP) and Maturity stage (90 DAP)
Shoot length (cm) Root length (cm) Chlorophyll content LAI Dry weight Number of flowers Number of pods Crop yield HI
0 (control) 78.60 ± 1.24 16.20 ± 1.26 3.70 ± 0.10 3.70 ± 0.02 56.30 ± 2.34 35 ± 2.10 33 ± 1.67 170.60 ± 2.76 303.01 ± 4.10
20 80.36 ± 1.26 19.34 ± 1.02 3.90 ± 0.12 3.80 ± 0.05 58.20 ± 2.55 40 ± 2.16 38 ± 1.56 180.50 ± 3.55 310.13 ± 4.26
40 115.36a ± 1.25 22.30 ± 1.09 4.50 ± 0.14 4.10 ± 0.07 62.10 ± 2.78 56 ± 2.34 53 ± 1.90 230.60a ± 3.43 371.33a ± 5.36
60 108.60a ± 1.56 20.13 ± 1.06 4.30 ± 0.17 4.00 ± 0.05 60.80 ± 2.67 51 ± 2.50 46 ± 1.70 220.40a ± 2.42 362.50a ± 4.33
80 94.63a ± 1.66 19.05 ± 1.08 4.20 ± 0.16 3.90 ± 0.05 60.40 ± 2.69 46 ± 2.88 42 ± 1.56 210.10a ± 3.77 347.84a ± 3.70
100 84.20 ± 1.76 17.05 ± 1.05 3.80 ± 0.19 3.80 ± 0.07 58.10 ± 2.70 42 ± 2.66 39 ± 1.55 190.30 ± 4.11 327.53 ± 4.87
CD 8.45 1.75 0.15 0.22 2.67 2.14 1.86 11.86 15.3
F-calculated 52.36* 2.34ns 1.28ns 1.41ns 3.14ns 3.36ns 3.15ns 62.37* 55.60*

Mean ± SE of six replicates; Significant F -*P > 5% level; ns - non significant; a - significantly different to the control; CD -Critical difference; DAP - Days after planting.

 

  At vegetative growth stage, the growth of V. mungo was decreased at higher concentration of distillery wastewater. The higher EC is the indicator of higher salt content in higher concentrations of distillery wastewater. The higher salt content acts as a limiting factor for the seed germination and vegetative growth. Thus, the higher EC has been found to inhibit for the plant growth. These findings suggest a link between EC and plant growth as has earlier been reported by Kumar and Chopra[24]. The chlorophyll content of V. mungo was observed higher with 40% distillery wastewater and it is likely due to presence of significant content of Fe, Mg and Mn in the distillery wastewater, which is associated with the synthesis of chlorophyll in plants. The deficiency of Fe, Mn and Mg in plants causes significant changes in the plant metabolism, and induces chlorosis and necrosis and early leaf fall[26,41,42].

 

Effect on flowering of V. mungo
  The number of flowers of V. mungo at flowering stage (60days after planting) were affected non-significantly (P > 0.05) after distillery wastewater irrigation (Table 4). The maximum flowers of V. mungo were observed with 40% concentration of distillery wastewater. The number of flowers of V. mungo was decreased when the wastewater concentration increased from 60% to 100% and it was noted positively correlated with distillery wastewater concentrations (Table 5). Nitrogen and phosphorus are essential for flowering. Too much nitrogen can delay or prevent flowering, while phosphorus deficiency is sometimes associated with poor flower production or flower abortion. The maximum flowering of V. mungo was observed with the 40% concentration of distillery wastewater and this might be due to that 40% concentration contains sufficient N and P. Furthermore, P and K prevent flower abortion so pod formation occurs[21,24,26].

 

Table 5: Coefficient of correlation (r) between distillery wastewater and agronomical characteristics of V. mungo.

Distillery wastewater / V. mungo r - value
Distillery wastewater versus shoot length +0.44
Distillery wastewater versus root length +0.46
Distillery wastewater versus chlorophyll content +0.52
Distillery wastewater versus LAI +0.56
Distillery wastewater versus dry weight +0.48
Distillery wastewater versus number of flowers/plant +0.50
Distillery wastewater versus number of pods/plant +0.15
Distillery wastewater versus crop yield/plant +0.28
Distillery wastewater versus harvest index +0.51
Distillery wastewater versus Cd +0.92
Distillery wastewater versus Cr +0.90
Distillery wastewater versus Cu +0.96
Distillery wastewater versus Mn +0.97
Distillery wastewater versus Zn +0.97
 

Effect on maturity stage of V. mungo
  At maturity stage (90 days after planting) the maximum number of pods/plant, crop yield and harvest index of V. mungo was with 40% concentration of distillery wastewater (Table 4). Crop yield and HI of V. mungo were recorded to be significantly (P < 0.05) affected with distillery wastewater irrigation. Number of pods/plant of V. mungo was noted non-significantly (P > 0.05) different with wastewater irrigation. HI of V. mungo was significantly positively correlated with distillery wastewater irrigation (Table 5).
  The role of K, Fe, Mg and Mn at maturity is important and associated with synthesis of chlorophyll and enhances formation of pods at harvest[26]. The K, Fe, Mg and Mn contents could benefit pod formation and yield of the plant as it does for soybean (Glycine max L.) as reported by Hati et al.[5] The 40% distillery wastewater favoured pod formation and crop yield of V. mungo. This is likely due to the presence of K, Fe, Mg and Mn contents in 20% and 40% distillery wastewater; higher distillery wastewater concentrations lowered pod formation and crop yield of V. mungo.

 

Accumulation and enrichment of heavy metals in V. mungo
  The metals content in various plant parts of V. mungo were increased as per distillery wastewater concentration increased. The accumulation of various heavy metals in different parts of V. mungo was in order of leaves>shoot>root> fruits for Cu, Mn and Zn, root>shoot>leaves>fruit for Cd and Cr in V. mungo after distillery wastewater irrigation (Figures 4-8). The enrichment factor was recorded in the order of Cu>Zn>Mn>Cr>Cd in V. mungo after irrigation with distillery wastewater (Figure 9). Chandra et al.[2] reported the higher content of metals (Cu, Cd, Cr, Zn, Fe, Ni, Mn, and Pb) in wheat and mustard plants irrigated with mixed distillery and tannery wastewaters.

 
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Figure 4: Accumulation of Cd in various parts of V. mungo after irrigation with distillery effluent. Error bars are standard error of the mean.

 
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Figure 5: Accumulation of Cr in various parts of V. mungo after irrigation with distillery effluent. Error bars are standard error of the mean.

 
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Figure 6: Accumulation of Cu in various parts of V.mungo after irrigation with distillery effluent. Error bars are standard error of the mean.

 
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Figure 7: Accumulation of Mn in various parts of V.mungo after irrigation with distillery effluent.
Error bars are standard error of the mean.

 
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Figure 8: Accumulation of Zn in various parts of V. mungo after irrigation with distillery effluent. Error bars are standard error of the mean.

 
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Figure 9: Enrichment factor of heavy metals in various parts of V. mungo after irrigation with distillery effluent. Error bars are standard error of the mean.

 

Effect on biochemical constituents of V. mungo
  The maximum crude proteins, crude fiber and crude carbohydrates of V. mungo were recorded with 40% concentration of distillery wastewater (Figure 10). Content of crude proteins (r = +0.56), crude fiber (r = +0.63) and crude carbohydrates (r = +0.70) of V. mungo were noted positively correlated with distillery wastewater concentration. The changes in biochemical constituents were in accordance with Kumar and Chopra[26]

 
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Figure 10: Content of crude proteins, crude fiber and crude carbohydrates in V. mungo after irrigation with distillery effluent. Error bars are standard error of the mean.

 
Conclusion
 

  This study concluded that distillery wastewater irrigation significantly (P < 0.01) increased the EC, pH, Cl-, OC, Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Fe2+, TKN, PO43-, SO42-, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn and Zn of the soil. The agronomical performance of V. mungo was gradually increased at lower concentration i.e. from 20% to 40% concentration of distillery wastewater and decreased at higher concentrations i.e. 60% to 100% concentration of distillery wastewater. It is likely due to that there are certain growth stimulants and inhabitants are present in distillery wastewater which is responsible for this type of growth performance. The maximum agronomical growth of V. mungo was observed with 40% concentration of distillery wastewater. The enrichment factor of heavy metals was in the order of Cd>Cr>Zn>Cu>Mn for soil and Cu>Mn>Zn>Cr>Cd for V. mungo after irrigation with distillery wastewater. The accumulation of various heavy metals was plant part specific and were found in order of leaves>shoot>root> fruits for Cu, Mn and Zn, root>shoot>leaves>fruit for Cd and Cr in V. mungo after distillery wastewater irrigation. Thus, the wastewater can be used after dilution for maximum yield of V. mungo. Further studies are required on changes in soil and biochemical components of V. mungo after distillery wastewater irrigation.

 

Acknowledgements
  The University Grants Commission, New Delhi, India is acknowledged for providing the financial support in the form of UGC research fellowship to the corresponding author.

 
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