The thesis investigates the toxicity of various concentrations of contaminants of emerging concern such as pharmaceuticals, antibiotics, hormones, industrial chemicals, stimulants, antimicrobial agents, pesticides, and personal care products on tomato seedlings of the 'Rally F1' variety (Solanum lycopersicum L.) and the use of treated wastewater for cultivation in a hydroponic system. The experiment was conducted in the greenhouse at the Biotechnical Faculty in Ljubljana and lasted from April 5 to June 5, 2023. The purpose of the study was to determine the impact of various concentrations of emerging contaminants on the growth and development of the tomato seedlings' root system. The seedlings were exposed to different concentrations of contaminants (1 mg/L, 0.1 mg/L, 0.01 mg/L, 0.001 mg/L) added to drinking water (DW) or treated wastewater (TWW), with controls consisting of both types of water without contaminant additives. A total of 21 tomato seedlings were included in the experiment, which were grown in glass jars in an aerated nutrient solution. The jars were inspected weekly, the nutrient solution was changed, and plant measurements were conducted – plant mass and chlorophyll content using a SPAD meter. Plant measurements were carried out for four weeks. At the beginning and end of the experiment, the root system was scanned to measure and determine the root length, root system surface area, number of root tips, and number of root branches. Based on the results of the experiment, it was found that the use of treated wastewater did not show toxic effects on plant growth. Different concentrations of emerging contaminants had varying effects on the growth and development of the root system in tomato seedlings. Higher concentrations of emerging contaminants inhibited the development of the root system and the overall growth of the plant. Lower concentrations of emerging contaminants did not have a phytotoxic effect on the plants. The results of the study confirm that treated wastewater, with proper control of contaminant concentrations, can be used for growing tomatoes in hydroponic systems. Treated wastewater did not have a phytotoxic effect on the plants and is suitable for preparing the nutrient solution.
|