Abstract

TOXICITY OF DAIRY EFFLUENT ON SEED GERMINATION, SEEDLING GROWTH AND METABOLISM IN PHASEOLUS MUNGO

Kotteswari M and Murugesan S*

ABSTRACT

Different concentrations of dairy effluent treated were used in pot culture experiments to investigate its effect on seed germination and seedling growth in Phaseolus mungo. The high concentration of the different elements (already present in the effluent); BOD and COD affected the seed germination, seedling growth and ultimately plant growth and yield. The seed germination and seedling growth were significantly reduced with an increase in concentration of the untreated dairy effluent than that of treated effluent. It adversely affected seedling growth (radicle and plumule size), number of lateral roots, total chlorophyll and carotenoids, while increasing due to stress caused by dairy effluent.

Keywords: Dairy effluent, Toxicity, Seed germination, Chlorophyll and Carotenoids.