Impact of irrigation water sources on growth and physiological traits in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)

Lamiaa Belasri; Ayoub Mardi; Nihad Chakri; Mehdi El Mellouki; Mourad Arabi; Fouad Amraoui; Btissam El Amrani; Samah Ait Benichou

doi:10.63095/NBSEH.25.513288

Authors

Lamiaa Belasri Health and Environment Laboratory, Department of Biology, Ain Chock Science Faculty, Hassan II University of Casablanca (https://ror.org/001q4kn48), Morocco
Ayoub Mardi Health and Environment Laboratory, Department of Biology, Ain Chock Science Faculty, Hassan II University of Casablanca (https://ror.org/001q4kn48), Morocco
Nihad Chakri Association for Action-Research for Sustainable Development, Faculty of Sciences, Aïn Chock Hassan II University of Casablanca (https://ror.org/001q4kn48), Morocco
Mehdi El Mellouki Health and Environment Laboratory, Department of Biology, Ain Chock Science Faculty, Hassan II University of Casablanca (https://ror.org/001q4kn48), Morocco
Mourad Arabi Laboratory for Improvement of Agricultural Production, Biotechnology and Environment (LAPABE)/ Water, Environment and Health Team, Faculty of Science, Mohamed I University (https://ror.org/01ejxf797), PB 717 60000, BV M6, Oujda, Morocco
Fouad Amraoui Association for Action-Research for Sustainable Development, Faculty of Sciences, Aïn Chock Hassan II University of Casablanca (https://ror.org/001q4kn48), Morocco
Btissam El Amrani Association for Action-Research for Sustainable Development, Faculty of Sciences, Aïn Chock Hassan II University of Casablanca (https://ror.org/001q4kn48), Morocco
Samah Ait Benichou Health and Environment Laboratory, Department of Biology, Ain Chock Science Faculty, Hassan II University of Casablanca (https://ror.org/001q4kn48), Morocco.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63095/NBSEH.25.513288

Keywords:

Solanum lycopersicum, Wastewater, Metabolic stress, Irrigation

Abstract

This study examined the effects of tap water (TW), treated wastewater (TWW), and raw wastewater (RWW) on Solanum lycopersicum. Raw wastewater showed high nitrite (42.57 ± 1.78 mg·L⁻¹) and BOD₅ (170 ± 12 mg·L⁻¹) levels. These values were lower in TWW (12.41 ± 0.56 mg·L⁻¹ and 20 ± 4.5 mg·L⁻¹), which met Moroccan irrigation standards. Germination tests revealed higher α-amylase activity and germination index in RWW. This may reflect nutrient enrichment. After 90 days, plants irrigated with TWW showed the strongest vegetative growth, with taller stems (57.5 cm) and larger leaves. Microbiological analysis of tomato fruits showed minimal contamination across treatments. Succinate dehydrogenase activity was highest in TW-irrigated plants. This indicated optimal mitochondrial function. TWW produced moderate reductions in activity. RWW caused marked declines in both leaves and fruits, suggesting metabolic inhibition under stress. These findings show that TWW provides a useful balance between nutrient supply and plant health, supporting its suitability for sustainable irrigation.

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