Insight into the Chromium-Enriched Industrial Wastewater Irrigation Practice on Lablab purpureus
Publication: Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 146, Issue 8
Abstract
To explore the bioaccumulation of the emerging contaminants in the freshwater bodies and food crops, and the possible implications, this study investigated the chromium-enriched industrial wastewater irrigation on Lablab purpureus with respect to the physical growth, photosynthetic pigments, proline content, and antioxidant defense responses. Chromium enrichment inhibited the elongation of roots and shoots by 68% and 76% respectively, as a function of chromium concentration. The total chlorophyll, chlorophyll-, chlorophyll-, and total carotenoids were severely retarded by 81%, 84%, 76%, and 63%, respectively, and excessive accumulation of proline was detected at 2.80 μmol/g fresh weight. The activities of ascorbate peroxidase, guaiacol peroxidase, and catalase were significantly altered, with a strong stimulation at the chromium concentration of 0.30 mM, predicting chromium-induced toxicity of the food crop. The findings provide insight into the interference of heavy metal–contaminated wastewater irrigation practice and its alarming implications for the sustainability of food safety, the dynamic equilibrium of ecosystems, and the water–food nexus.
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Data Availability Statement
Some or all data, models, or code generated or used during the study are available from the corresponding author by request.
Acknowledgments
The authors acknowledge the financial support provided by Universiti Sains Malaysia under the Research University Individual (RUI) Grant Scheme entitled “Smart Greenhouse Hydroponic System to Battle Food Insecurity: Application Towards Wastewater Irrigation Practice.”
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Published In
Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 146 • Issue 8 • August 2020
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©2020 American Society of Civil Engineers.
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Received: Aug 31, 2019
Accepted: Jan 29, 2020
Published online: May 20, 2020
Published in print: Aug 1, 2020
Discussion open until: Oct 20, 2020
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