IMPACT OF INDUSTRIAL EFFLUENTS ON GERMINATION AND SEEDLING GROWTH OF LENS ESCULENTUM VARIETIES.

Effluent samples were collected from Koh-e-Noor textile mill, Marble Industry and Attock oil Refinery for present study. Different dilutions (0, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100%) were used to irrigate two varieties of lentil (M-93 & NARC-02-4). Koh-e-noor (textile) mill effluent was most injurious as its all concentrations caused a reduction in the length parameters of the two varieties. Roots were more affected than shoots. Whereas various concentrations of effluents from marble industry and refinery were stimulatory for the growth of both varieties. General growth of Lens esculentum var NARC-02-4 under normal conditions was better as compared to var M-93 but the percentage reduction in length parameters was less in case of M-93 as compared to NARC-02-4. Comparison of the two varieties showed that the overall fresh and dry weight of seedlings was more in case of M-93 as compared to NARC-02-4. The dry mater accumulation was comparable in the two varieties. Study concluded that effluents from Marble industry and Refinery could be used for irrigation purpose after dilutions as was evident from the length and weight parameter. The growth of both varieties of lentil was suppressed in textile effluent, but both could be grown in the other two effluents in variable concentrations for optimal growth.