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PubMed2005

Mutagenicity assessment of effluents from textile/dye industries of Sanganer, Jaipur (India): a case study.

Sanganer town, district Jaipur (Rajasthan, India), is famous worldwide for its dyeing and printing industries. There are about 400 industries involved in textile printing processes, which discharge effluents into nearby ponds and drains, without any treatment. These effluents contain highly toxic dyes, bleaching agents, salts, acids, and alkalis. Heavy metals like cadmium, copper, zinc, chromium, and iron are also found in the dye effluents. Textile workers are exposed to such waters with no control over the length and frequency of exposure. Further, as the untreated effluents are discharged into the environment they can cause severe contamination of surface and underground water. Environmental pollution caused by such textile effluents results in adverse effects on flora, fauna, and the general health of not only the textile workers, but also the residents of Sanganer town. Therefore, to assess the possible genotoxic health risk and environmental genotoxicity due to the textile industry effluents, this study was carried out using the Ames Salmonella/microsome mutagenicity assay. The results clearly indicate that the effluents and the surface water of Amani Shah drainage have high mutagenic activity. Further, the drainage water and the dry bed of the drainage (during summer months) are not fit for agricultural or other recreational purposes. A low level of mutagenicity in the underground water of Sanganer again emphasizes the grave pollution problem existing in the area. Multiple post hoc comparison tests (LSD, Tukey's) were used for comparison of sample site, dose, and length of exposure. Quadratic Model was found to adequately fit the observed data.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Incorporation of the sunscreen agent, octyl methoxycinnamate in a cellulosic fabric grafted with beta-cyclodextrin.

The aim of the study was to investigate the incorporation of the sunscreen agent, octyl methoxycinnamate into cyclodextrin cavities covalently bound to cloth fibres. Tencel, a cellulosic fabric, was grafted with beta-cyclodextrin molecules through reaction with monochlorotriazinyl-beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CDMCT). The finished and untreated textiles were soaked in water-methanol mixtures containing 2% (v/v) of sunscreen agent and subsequently subjected to several washing cycles. The unmodified and modified fabrics were characterized by UV spectrophotometry and thermogravimetric analysis. The level of octyl methoxycinnamate entrapped in the Tencel tissue was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography and was found to be much higher (0.0203%, w/w) for the textile functionalised with beta-CDMCT compared to the unmodified fabric (0.0025%, w/w). In addition, spectrophotometric assessment of UV transmission through the fabric samples using the Transpore test showed that the in vitro sun protection factor of the textile support was markedly enhanced (3.2-fold increase) by impregnation with octyl methoxycinnamate of the beta-CDMCT grafted textile. Hence, even after repeated washings, the beta-CD finished fabric exhibits higher sunscreen agent retention and photoprotective properties than the unmodified textile material.

Cellulose, Oxidized↗
PubMed2006

The European standard for sun-protective clothing: EN 13758.

Clothing is considered one of the most important tools for sun protection. Contrary to popular opinion, however, some summer fabrics provide insufficient ultraviolet (UV) protection. The European Committee for Standardization (CEN), has developed a new standard on requirements for test methods and labelling of sun-protective garments. This document has now been completed and is published. Within CEN, a working group, CEN/TC 248 WG14 'UV protective clothing', was set up with the mission to produce standards on the UV-protective properties of textile materials. This working group started its activities in 1998 and included 30 experts (dermatologists, physicists, textile technologists, fabric manufacturers and retailers of apparel textiles) from 11 European member states. Within this working group, all medical, ethical, technical and economical aspects of standardization of UV-protective clothing were discussed on the basis of the expertise of each member and in consideration of the relevant literature in this field. Decisions were made in consensus. The first part of the standard (EN 13758-1) deals with all details of test methods (e.g. spectrophotometric measurements) for textile materials and part 2 (EN 13758-2) covers classification and marking of apparel textiles. UV-protective cloths for which compliance with this standard is claimed must fulfill all stringent instructions of testing, classification and marking, including a UV protection factor (UPF) larger than 40 (UPF 40+), average UVA transmission lower than 5%, and design requirements as specified in part 2 of the standard. A pictogram, which is marked with the number of the standard EN 13758-2 and the UPF of 40+, shall be attached to the garment if it is in compliance with the standard. The dermatology community should take cognizance of this new standard document. Garment manufacturers and retailers may now follow these official guidelines for testing and labelling of UV-protective summer clothes, and the sun-aware consumer can easily recognize garments that definitely provide sufficient UV protection.

European Union↗
PubMed1986

Respiratory disability in ex-cotton workers.

A high proportion of textile workers handling cotton and flax complain of respiratory symptoms and show a loss in lung function. These effects are reversible in the early stages but the degree to which they lead to permanent respiratory disability is unknown. Two surveys were therefore conducted in which respiratory function and symptoms were compared in ex-textile workers and in control subjects who had never been exposed to textile dusts. One survey was of ex-flax workers in Northern Ireland. The present survey was of ex-cotton workers in Lancashire. A survey of random population samples in Oldham and Bolton, in both of which cotton had formerly been the most important source of employment, was conducted. After allowing for age, height, and smoking, lung function was about 2-8% lower in the ex-textile workers than in controls who had never been exposed to any dust. Ex-textile workers were slightly shorter than the controls, suggestive of past social and nutritional deprivation which may have contributed to the decrement in lung function. There was evidence of a small but increasing decrement in lung function with an increase in a "dust exposure" score. For men, about 15 years of heavy dust exposure was associated with a loss in FEV1 equivalent to that shown by light or ex-smokers. For women, 15 years of heavy dust exposure appeared to be associated with a decrement in FEV1 about half that of light smoking.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

[Examination related to revised test method for determination of formaldehyde, regulated by the law for the control of household products containing harmful substances].

In Japan, the amount of formaldehyde in textile products was regulated by the low for the control of household products containing harmful substances. Formaldehyde was determined by measuring the optical density of acetylacetone derivative of formaldehyde extracted from textiles. The household products low stated that the increase in the optical density of color development of the extract from the textile products for babies or infants within 24 months after birth should not be more than 0.05. Collaborative study decided the amount of formaldehyde equivalent to the increase in absorbance described above, and the amount was 16 ppm. There are some reports that formaldehyde causes an allergic reaction even at a very low concentration, so continuous regulation for formaldehyde in the textiles was desirable using this level of amount. We developed HPLC method for the determination of formaldehyde in textile products. Formaldehyde was determined by the direct injection of acetylacetone derivative of samples into the system equipped with ODS column and UV-VIS detector (detection wavelength 413 nm) using the mixture of acetonitrile and water as mobile phase. The linearity was obtained between a peak area or height and the concentrations of formaldehyde solution in the range of 0.0625-2 micrograms/ml. The regulation level was sufficiently detected by the present HPLC method. We recommended that the HPLC test was adopted as a reexamination method for the products may violate the regulation as well as a dimedone test.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗
PubMed1991

A comparative study of fabric protection against ultraviolet-induced erythema determined by spectrophotometric and human skin measurements.

Historically, a textile's ability to protect against ultraviolet radiation (UVR)-induced erythema has been based on its UVR transmission. However, due to the nonuniformity of the fabric structure of a textile and its resultant nonuniform transmission, the above prediction may not hold. The fabric protection factors (FPF) of 5 metal meshes, to simulate the weave pattern and yarn dimensions of typical fabrics, and 6 textiles with variable construction (woven and knitted), fibre type and dye were determined using a spectrophotometric assay and human skin testing. All 5 meshs and 5 of the 6 textiles allowed spectrophotometric prediction of their FPF compared with off-skin (2 mm) human testing. However, on-skin human testing FPF were generally significantly lower than both the off-skin and spectrophotometric estimates. Although evidence is presented that the nonuniform nature of a textile's structure does influence its FPF predictability, in practice, properly conducted spectrophotometric analysis may yield the most typical indication of the protectiveness of a fabric against UVR-induced erythema.

Erythema↗
PubMed2000

Analysis of retrieved polymer fiber based replacements for the ACL.

The present retrospective analysis of 117 surgically excised anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) prostheses was designed to elucidate the etiology and mechanisms of failure of synthetic ligamentous prostheses. They were harvested from young and active patients (26 +/- 7 yrs) at various orthopaedic centers in France between 1983 and 1993. The average duration of implantation of augmentation and replacement prostheses were 21.5 +/- 12.6 and 33.2 +/- 25.3 months, respectively. The principal causes for their excision were ruptures and synovitis. Each ACL prosthesis was examined macroscopically, histologically, and, after tissue removal, by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to determine the model, manufacturer, surgical technique used at implantation, the extent of healing, the site of rupture, and the morphology of the damaged fibers. Fourteen types of ACL prostheses were analysed, each fabricated using a different combination of polymers, fibers and textile constructions. Consequently, they generated a variety of healing characteristics and mechanical responses in vivo. SEM observations revealed that abrasion of the textile fibers as a result of yarn-on-yarn and/or yarn-on-bone contact was a common phenomenon to almost all models, and was the primary cause of prosthetic failure. Healing inside the synthetic ACL was poorly organized, incomplete and unpredictable as the extent of collagenous infiltration into the textile structure did not increase with the duration of implantation. In fact, the collagenous infiltration into certain models appeared to be more detrimental than beneficial since it caused deterioration and fraying of the textile structure rather than serving as a reinforcing matrix around the prosthesis. In conclusion, the present study shows that three mechanisms may be involved in the failure of ACL prostheses: (1) inadequate fiber abrasion resistance against osseous surfaces; (2) flexural and rotational fatigue of the fibers, and (3) loss of integrity of the textile structure due to unpredictable tissue infiltration during healing.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Growth and mineral accumulation in Eucalyptus camaldulensis seedlings irrigated with mixed industrial effluents.

Effects of mixed industrial effluents on growth, dry matter accumulation and mineral nutrient in Eucalyptus camaldulensis seedlings were studied. The objective was to evaluate the adaptability of E. camaldulensis to effluent, tolerance to excess/deficiency of mineral elements and ultimately to determine suitable combinations of industrial/municipal effluent for their use in biomass production in dry areas. Different irrigation treatments were: T(1): good water; T(2): municipal effluent; T(3): textile effluent; T(4): steel effluent; T(5): textile effluent+municipal effluent in 1:1 ratio; T(6): steel effluent+municipal effluent in 1:2 ratio; T(7): steel+textile+municipal effluent in 1:2:2 ratio; and T(8): steel+textile effluent in 1:2 ratio. High concentrations of metal ions and low concentrations of Ca, Mg, K, Na, N and P in soil and seedlings of T(4) resulted in mortality of the seedlings within a few days. Addition of the textile/municipal effluent increased the survival time of the seedlings for two to three months in T(6), T(7) and T(8) treatments. Among the remaining treatments, the seedlings of T(2) attained 131 cm height, 1.97 cm collar diameter, 19 total branches and produced 158 g seedling(-1) of dry biomass at the age of 10 months. The seedling of T(3) produced the least growth and biomass. Growth equivalent to that of the seedlings of T(1) treatment was achieved when municipal effluent was mixed with textile effluent (T(5)). There was a decrease in soil pH, EC, SOC, NH(4)-N, NO(3)-N, PO(4)-P and basic cations and increase in the concentration of Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn with T(4) treatment. The reverse trend was observed in T(3) where a high concentration of Na might have reduced Mg and micronutrient concentration in seedlings potentially affecting root and leaf growth. Mixing of effluents may be useful in tree irrigation to increase biomass productivity, which is evidenced by improved growth in T(5) and survival in T(6), T(7) and T(8) treatments. Further, reduction of toxic concentration of metal ions in effluents may be helpful for a long-term field application.

Biomass↗
PubMed2006

Quality of effluents from Hattar Industrial Estate.

Of 6634 registered industries in Pakistan, 1228 are considered to be highly polluting. The major industries include textile, pharmaceutical, chemicals (organic and inorganic), food industries, ceramics, steel, oil mills and leather tanning which spread all over four provinces, with the larger number located in Sindh and Punjab, with smaller number in North Western Frontier Province (NWFP) and Baluchistan. Hattar Industrial Estate extending over 700 acres located in Haripur district of NWFP is a new industrial estate, which has been developed with proper planning for management of industrial effluents. The major industries located in Hattar are ghee industry, chemical (sulfuric acid, synthetic fiber) industry, textile industry and pharmaceuticals industry. These industries, although developed with proper planning are discharging their effluents in the nearby natural drains and ultimately collected in a big drain near Wah. The farmers in the vicinity are using these effluents for growing vegetables and cereal crops due to shortage of water. In view of this discussion, there is a dire need to determine if these effluents are hazardous for soil and plant growth. So, effluents from different industries, sewage and normal tap water samples were collected and analysed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total soluble salts (TSS), biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total nitrogen, cations and anions and heavy metals. The effluents of ghee and textile industries are highly alkaline. EC and TSS loads of ghee and textile industries are also above the National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS), Pakistan. All the effluents had residual sodium carbonates (RSCs), carbonates and bicarbonates in amounts that cannot be used for irrigation. Total toxic metals load in all the effluents is also above the limit i.e. 2.0 mg/L. Copper in effluents of textile and sewage, manganese in ghee industry effluents and iron contents in all the effluents were higher than NEQS. BOD and COD values of all the industries are also above the NEQS. On the whole, these effluents cannot be used for irrigation without proper treatment otherwise that may cause toxicity to soil, plants and animals as well add to the problems of salinity and sododicity. Similarly, these effluents cannot be used for fish farming.

Hydrogen-Ion Concentration↗
PubMed1995

[Macroscopic, histologic and ultrastructural study of 89 prostheses of anterior cruciate ligament excised because of prosthesis failure].

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: This study concerns the etiology of failed synthetic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) prostheses, and attempts to identify the primary mechanisms that lead to their premature rupture. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 89 failed and surgically excised ACL prostheses were retrieved from young and active patients (27 +/- 7 years) at various orthopaedic centres in France. Their average duration of implantation was 34 +/- 24 months. They were examined macroscopically, histologically and by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to determine the model, the manufacturer, the surgical technique used at implantation, the extent of healing, the site of rupture, as well as the morphology of the damage fibers. RESULTS: Seventy two of these explants represented 6 different models. While all 6 were fabricated from polyester fibres, each had a different textile construction, and each were associated with a unique healing and mechanical response in vivo. SEM observations confirmed that abrasion of the textile fibres were a phenomenon common to all models, and were the primary cause of prosthesis failure. Such wear zones were particularly prevalent at the exit of the tibial tunnel and around the femoral condyle. Collagenic infiltration into the synthetic ACL was poorly organized and unpredictable. It did not increase with the duration of implantation. In fact in certain models, it appeared to have caused deterioration and fraying of the textile structure rather than serving as a reinforcing matrix around the prosthesis. DISCUSSION: A synthetic ACL prosthesis is to be preferred for patients who do not have tissue available for autologous ligamentoplasty. Yet none of the synthetic devices examined in the present study were capable of stabilizing the knee over the long term. Among the factors that influenced their failure we found that the three most common mechanisms were flat abrasion against an osseous surface, flexural and rotational fatigue of the fibres, and loss of integrity of the textile structure due to unpredictable tissue infiltration during healing. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study show that none of the current models succeed in replacing the natural ACL. Future improvements may be achieved by developing surgical procedures for implantation combined with a prosthesis made from fibres and textile structures which are more abrasion resistant and promote predictable and controlled tissue infiltration.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Reduction of intraperitoneal adhesion formation by use of non-abrasive gauze.

BACKGROUND: Adhesion formation is potentially harmful. Surgical swabs may contribute to adhesions by trauma to the peritoneum. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether standard surgical gauze (Medipres) has an adhesion-promoting effect, and to determine whether a soft textile (Fastsorb), used in the electronics industry, might be less traumatic and therefore lead to less adhesion formation. METHODS: A reproducible rat model allowing semiquantitative scoring of adhesion formation was used. Three different adhesion models representing increasing degrees of peritoneal trauma (minimal, moderate and severe) were employed. The model inflicting minimal peritoneal trauma was combined with standardized rubbing of the peritoneum with surgical gauze or non-surgical textile. RESULTS: Minimal peritoneal trauma resulted in a significantly lower mean adhesion percentage (21 per cent) than moderate (44 per cent) or severe (60 per cent) peritoneal trauma (P < or = 0.005). Rubbing of the peritoneum with surgical gauze after minimal peritoneal trauma induced significantly more adhesion formation (58 versus 23 per cent, P < 0.0001). After minimal peritoneal trauma, rubbing with surgical gauze produced significantly more adhesions than rubbing with non-surgical textile (63 versus 19 per cent, P < 0.0001). Moreover, rubbing the peritoneum with non-surgical textile after minimal peritoneal trauma did not induce any additional adhesion formation (35 versus 24 per cent, P = 0.23). CONCLUSION: The extent of adhesion formation correlates significantly with the degree of peritoneal damage. Standard surgical gauze is traumatizing to the peritoneum and promotes adhesion formation whereas a less abrasive non-surgical textile does not.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Analysis of fiber blends using horizontal attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared and discriminant analysis.

We have investigated the utility of a horizontal attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (HATR/FT-IR) for the analysis of fiber and textile blends. The identification of a blended textile can be accomplished by subtracting a reference spectrum of the textile's most abundant component, leading to a difference spectrum that infers the identity of the second constituent of the blended textile. Mathematical post-processing of the spectra employing discriminant analysis provided a useful statistical tool to confirm the fiber blend components.

Discriminant Analysis↗
PubMed1983

Exposures and mortality among chrysotile asbestos workers. Part I: exposure estimates.

A detailed study of plant processes and dust control methods over the period 1930-1975 was conducted in an asbestos textile plant processing chrysotile. Linear statistical models for reconstructing historic dust exposure levels, taking into account textile processes, dust control measures, and job assignments, were developed. Parameters of these statistical models were estimated using 5,952 industrial hygiene sampling measurements covering the period 1930-1975. For most textile operations, exposure levels were significantly reduced by about 1940, when most engineering dust control measures were in place. Results of the exposure estimates indicated "precontrol" exposure levels to range from 3 to 78 fibers/cc with typical levels well above 10 fibers/cc. After textile operations were provided with dust control measures, estimated exposure levels ranged from 3 to 17 fibers/cc and were usually in the range of 5 to 10 fibers/cc. These exposure estimates were combined with an assessment of mortality among workers at this plant to investigate exposure-response relationships. Exposure-response results are presented in the companion manuscript in this volume.

Asbestos↗
PubMed2002

Role of clothes in sun protection.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the carcinogenic factor in sunlight. Damage to skin cells from repeated UV exposure can lead to the development of skin cancer. Apart from avoidance of the sun, the most frequently used form of UV protection has been the application of sunscreens. The use of textiles as a means of sun protection has been underrated in previous educational campaigns, even though suitable clothing offers usually simple and effective broadband protection against the sun. Apart from skin cancer formation, exacerbation of photosensitive disorders and premature skin aging could be prevented by suitable UV-protective clothing. Nevertheless, several studies have recently shown that, contrary to popular opinion, some textiles provide only limited UV protection. It has been found that one-third of commercial summer clothing items provide a UV protection factor (UPF) less than 15. Given the increasing interest in sun protection, recreationally and occupationally, test methods and a rating scheme for clothing were needed that would ensure sufficient UV protection. Various textile parameters have an influence on the UPF of a finished garment. Important parameters are the fabric porosity, type, color, weight and thickness. The application of UV absorbers into the yarns significantly improves the UPF of a garment. Under the conditions of wear and use several factors can alter the UV-protective properties of a textile, e.g., stretch, wetness and laundering. The use of UV-blocking cloths can provide excellent protection against the hazards of sunlight; this is especially true for garments manufactured as UV-protective clothing. However, further educational efforts are necessary to change people's sun behavior and raise awareness for the use of adequate sun-protective clothing.

Humans↗
PubMed1998

[Sun protection by optimally designed fabrics].

A rising incidence worldwide of skin cancer has been observed for years. A high cumulative exposure to UV radiation is a major factor in the development of such neoplasms. Suitable protective measures are therefore becoming increasingly important. Textiles provide simple, effective and medically safe protection against UV radiation. At present, however, in Europe--in contrast to Australia--the UV protection factor (UPF) for summer textiles is not stated. It is a largely unknown fact that by far not all textiles offer sufficient protection. Our goal was to study the factors which determine the UV transmission of fabrics and, based on these findings, to design materials which provide enhanced protection. A spectrophotometric method was used to determine the UV transmission by fabrics made of cotton, silk, polyester and viscose. The UV protection factors of the fabrics were computed on the basis of the transmission data. The UV protection factor is dependent on the type of fibre, yarn and surface design, weight per square metre, moisture content, colour, finishing method and degree of wear. To optimize the UV protection via textiles, a viscose yarn with a low UV transmission was used. This yarn makes it possible to design light-weight summer fabrics with optimized UV protection. This development will make it possible to offer clothing with high UV protection on the European marked. This clothing will not be more expensive than normal products, so that effective prevention should be more available.

Clothing↗
PubMed2005

Vermicomposting of different types of waste using Eisenia foetida: a comparative study.

A study (100 days duration) was conducted to evaluate the efficiency of an exotic earthworm species (epigeic-Eisenia foetida) for decomposition of different types of organic substrates (kitchen waste, agro-residues, institutional and industrial wastes including textile industry sludge and fibres) into valuable vermicompost. The percentage of, nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium in vermicompost was found to increase while pH and total organic carbon declined as a function of the vermicomposting period. 4.4-5.8-fold increases in TKN was observed in different feed mixtures at the end of vermicomposting period. The increase in TKN for different feed substrates was found in the order: textile sludge>textile fibre=institutional waste>agro-residues>kitchen waste. Available Phosphorus increased 1.4 to 6.5-fold in different feed mixtures in comparison to control. Reduction in TOC was highest in agro-residues (3-fold) followed by kitchen waste (2.2-fold), institutional waste (1.7-fold) and textile industrial wastes (sludge, 1.5-fold and fibre, 1.68-fold) in earthworm-inoculated pots than control. The data reveals that vermicomposting (using E. foetida) is a suitable technology for the decomposition of different types of organic wastes (domestic as well as industrial) into value-added material.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Arrest in ciliated cell expansion on the bronchial lining of adult rats caused by chronic exposure to industrial noise.

Workers chronically exposed to high-intensity/low-frequency noise at textile plants show increased frequency of respiratory infections. This phenomenon prompted the herein investigation on the cytology of the bronchial epithelium of Wistar rats submitted to textile noise. Workplace noise from a cotton-mill room of a textile factory was recorded and reproduced in a sound-insulated animal room. The Wistar rats were submitted to a weekly schedule of noise treatment that was similar to that of the textile workers (8h/day, 5 days/week). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to compare the fine morphology of the inner surface of the bronchi in noise-exposed and control rats. SEM quantitative cytology revealed that exposure to noise for 5-7 months caused inhibition in the natural expansion of the area occupied by ciliated cells on the bronchial epithelium as adult rats grow older. This difference between noise-exposed and age-matched control rats was statistically significant (P<0.05) and documents that the cytology of the rat bronchial epithelium is mildly altered by noise exposure. The decrease in the area of bronchial cilia may impair the mucociliar clearance of the respiratory airways and, thus, increase vulnerability to respiratory infection.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Mineral toxicity and physiological functions in tree seedlings irrigated with effluents of varying chemistry in sandy soil of dry region.

Effluents namely canal water as control (T1); municipal effluent (T2); textile effluent (T3); steel effluent (T4); textile + municipal effluent in 1:1 ratio (T5); steel + municipal effluent in 1:2 ratio (T6); steel + municipal + textile in 1:2:2 ratio (T7); and steel + textile in 1:2 ratio (T8) were added to the seedlings of Acacia nilotica and Eucalyptus camaldulensis. The aim was to monitor the toxic effect of the accumulated mineral ions on the physiological functions and ultimately to utilize these effluents in tree plantation. Foliage mineral concentration, leaf water potential (LWP), rate of photosynthesis (Pn), rate of transpiration (T) and stomatal conductance (g) were recorded. Mineral accumulation increased in the seedlings of T2 treatment. However, the accumulation of Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn was the highest (p<0.001) in the seedlings of T4, T6, T7, and T8 treatments affecting N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and Na concentration. The seedlings of T3 treatment had less Mg, Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn and medium N, Ca, and P concentration, which were negatively correlated with Na concentration in foliage and the amount added through effluent irrigation. Concentration of N, K, Ca, Mg, and Na was higher in the foliage of A. nilotica whereas P, Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn were high in E. camaldulensis. Early two months data showed reduction (p<0.01) in Pn (87%), T (81%), g (67%), and LWP as a result of metal stresses (toxicity) in T6, T7, and T8 seedlings. E. camaldulensis maintained high LWP and Pn and low T and g compared to A. nilotica. High LWP in the seedlings of T2 was associated (p<0.05) high Pn, T, and g. However, these physiological parameters lowered in the seedlings of T3 and T5. Seedlings of T1, T2, and T5 maintained high LWP, Pn, T, and g throughout the experimental period. These parameters however, decreased (p<0.01) in the seedlings of T3 treatment subsequently through Na induced deficiency of Mg, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn. The enhanced physiological functions in T5 treatment were probably the result of ameliorative effect of municipal effluent through increased mineral status. The study suggests that excess accumulation of Na, Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn leads to metal toxicity that adversely affects physiology of the tree seedlings. Mixing of effluents and/or removal of excess would ameliorate these toxic effects and could be the better management practices for their use in tree irrigation.

Acacia↗