Abstract
The study objectives were to determine the effects of raw leachate (LR), leachate treated with filter 1 (LT F1), leachate treated with filter 2 (LT F2), leachate treated with UV (LT UV) and a control group using well water on the physiology and growth of basil and alfalfa plants. The effects on germination rates, plant height, leaf area, biomass, stomatal conductance, relative water content, total chlorophyll content, soluble sugars, proline content and mineral element contents were studied. The raw leachate had a detrimental effect on the germination of both basil and alfalfa (no seeds germinated). In contrast, irrigation with LT UV and well water resulted in high germination rates (approximately 100%). Compared with LT F1, LT F2 had positive effects on plant height and biomass. Stomatal conductance was highest in plants subjected to LT UV, with a reduced water content in plants subjected to LT F1 and LT F2. The total chlorophyll content was high in plants irrigated with LT UV and well water. Mineral elemental analysis revealed increased concentrations of nitrogen, potassium and calcium in the aerial parts of the plants; the plants were irrigated with treated leachates and sodium accumulated in the roots. Compared with untreated raw leachate, treated leachate with LT UV enhanced the growth and physiological performance of basil and alfalfa.