Assessing the effect of treated wastewater used in combination with inorganic nutrients on the quality and nutritional attributes of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

• Domestic wastewater provides water and nutrients for crops. • Non-circulating hydroponics works for crop production and wastewater reuse. • Nutrient-supplemented wastewater improves crop quality and nutrition. • Sole wastewater reuse results in suboptimal crop quality. • Wastewater optimization reduces freshwater and fertilizer dependence. Addressing nutrient variability in wastewater through fertilizer supplementation has proven to enhance hydroponic crop growth, reduce fertilizer use, and ensure efficient wastewater reuse. However, the effect of such practice on crop quality and nutritional attributes remains unexplored. A study was conducted in a greenhouse to investigate the effect of wastewater supplementation on the quality and nutritional attributes of tomatoes ( Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. Star. 9001). The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD). The treatments included anaerobic filter effluent (AF), AF supplemented with 50% of the recommended application rate of hydroponic fertilizer mix (CHFM 50 ), and 100% application rate of the hydroponic fertilizer mix dissolved in tap water (CHFM T ). Data was collected on crop quality, fruit nutrient content, and physicochemical attributes. Results showed significant differences ( p < 0.05) among the crop quality traits evaluated. The CHFM 50 and CHFM T recorded higher and comparable fruit nutrient content, better crop quality (color index, firmness, and size), and physicochemical attributes (total soluble solids, total phenolic content, ascorbic acid content, and BrimA). In contrast, the AF-treated plants recorded lower values for the evaluated traits. This study demonstrates that the sole reuse of wastewater for crop fertigation results in suboptimal tomato quality and nutritional attributes. However, half the recommended rate of commercial hydroponic fertilizer mix (CHFM 50 ) can sufficiently supplement AF without compromising crop quality, nutrient content, and physicochemical properties. This approach can reduce the dependency on commercial fertilizers, lower the demand for freshwater use, and contribute to safe wastewater reuse in non-circulating hydroponic systems.