Water and Nutrient Harvesting from Thermal Plant Wastewater by Mustard

A pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the impact of thermal power plant discharged wastewater for growth, yield and quality of mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czern and Coss). The water was analysed for various parameters viz., pH, total solids, BOD and COD, which were within permissible limits of Indian standards. The quality of some essential nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, phosphate, magnesium, chloride, calcium, carbonate, bicarbonate and sulphates was more in wastewater as compared to groundwater. The wastewater proved superior to groundwater as it enhanced almost all growth and yield parameters including the important oil content in seeds. However, wastewater, in general, recorded lower iodine, acid and saponification value as compared to groundwater. Interestingly, lower iodine value and acid value is considered good for mustard from commercial point of view.