Winery wastewater inhibits seed germination and vegetative growth of common crop species.
The ability to reuse winery wastewater would be of significant benefit to the wine industry, as it could potentially be a cost-effective method of wastewater management, whilst at the same time providing a valuable water resource. This study investigated the effects of different dilutions of a semi-synthetic winery wastewater on the growth and germination of four common crop species in a glasshouse study; barley (Hordeum vulgare), millet (Pennisetum glaucum), lucerne (Medicago sativa) and phalaris (Phalaris aquatica). The wastewater caused a significant delay in the germination of lucerne, millet and phalaris, although overall germination percentage of all species was not affected. Vegetative growth was significantly reduced in all species, with millet being the most severely affected. The germination index of barley correlated very highly (r(2)=0.99) with barley biomass, indicating that barley seed germination bioassays are highly relevant to plant growth, and therefore may be of use as a bioassay for winery wastewater toxicity.
Mosse
Kim P M
KP
School of Applied Sciences and Engineering, Monash University, Churchill, Vic. 3842, Australia. kim.mosse@sci.monash.edu.au
Patti
Antonio F
AF
Christen
Evan W
EW
Cavagnaro
Timothy R
TR
D018533:Biomass; D018556:Crops, Agricultural / Q000254:growth & development*; D018525:Germination; D007220:Industrial Waste; D012639:Seeds / Q000254:growth & development*; D014920:Wine
D007220:Industrial Waste