Effect of Irrigation With Household Detergent on Germination, Activities of Oxidative Stress Enzymes and Chlorophyll Content of Pod Maize
Effect of Irrigation With Household Detergent on Germination, Activities of Oxidative Stress Enzymes and Chlorophyll Content of Pod Maize
Ngele Blessing Alfred, Agba Mary-Ibenreh Ogaboh*, Bassey Rosemary Anietie and Egeh Ajah Egwu
ABSTRACT
Detergents, used for cleaning in both domestic and industrial settings, contain surfactants and other compounds that can affect crops through discharge and environmental runoff. In many underdeveloped areas, untreated wastewater is used to irrigate crops, potentially harming them. This study investigated the impact of irrigation with various concentrations of a common commercial laundry detergent in Nigeria (Ariel) on maize seedlings’ germination, growth, and physiological processes, including oxidative stress enzymes activities and chlorophyll content. A mixture of sawdust and sand (1:1) was utilized as the growth medium. Detergent solutions with concentrations of 1g/l, 2.5g/l, and 5.0g/l were prepared, with deionized water as the control (0g/l). Maize seeds were sown in germination trays and irrigated with these solutions to assess the effects on germination, growth performance, oxidative stress enzyme activities, and chlorophyll content. The detergent concentrations did not significantly affect the germination and growth of maize. However, fresh and dry weights of the plants decreased significantly (P≤0.05) as detergent concentration increased, with fresh and dry weights at 0 g/l being 1.68g and 0.69g, respectively, and at 5g/l being 0.50g and 0.69g, respectively. Seedlings irrigated with 5 g/l detergent solution showed higher peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase activities (1714.14 µmol product/L/min and 40.43 µmol product/L/min, respectively), while catalase activity decreased with higher detergent concentrations (1860.15 µmol product/L/min at 0g/l and 861.54 µmol product/L/min at 5g/l). Total chlorophyll content was higher (2313.01 mgg-1fw) in seedlings irrigated with the 5 g/l detergent concentration. The study concluded that high detergent concentrations in irrigation water induce oxidative stress in maize seedlings.
To share on other social networks, click on any share button. What are these?
