Impact of Sugar Mill Effluent on Germination, Growth and Protein Content of Zea mays L.

The disposal of untreated industrial effluents into the environment has become a major ecological concern due to their adverse effects on soil, water and plant health. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the impact of sugar mill effluent on seed germination, seedling growth and protein content of Zea mays L. Different concentrations of sugar mill effluent were used to assess their toxicological as well as beneficial effects on maize under laboratory conditions. Physico-chemical characteristics of the effluent such as pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids and nutrient content were analysed prior to treatment. Healthy seeds of maize were treated with varying concentrations of sugar mill effluent along with a control using distilled water. Parameters including percentage of seed germination, root length, shoot length, fresh weight, dry weight and protein content were recorded after a specified growth period. The results indicated that lower concentrations of sugar mill effluent promoted seed germination and seedling growth due to the presence of essential nutrients and organic matter. However, higher concentrations showed inhibitory effects on germination percentage, growth parameters and protein content, indicating phytotoxicity caused by excessive salts and organic load. The study concludes that diluted sugar mill effluent can be utilized as a potential biofertilizer or irrigation supplement for agricultural crops, whereas untreated or highly concentrated effluent may adversely affect plant growth and metabolism. Proper treatment and controlled application of sugar mill effluent are therefore essential for sustainable agricultural and environmental management.