Effect of direct dyes effluent on germination/growth of maize and sorghum plants

The effect of direct dyes effluent used for irrigation of maize and sorghum plants was examined in germination of seeds, shoot length, root length and chlorophyll contents. Studies were also carried out by irrigating these plants with 50% water diluted effluent sample and as such. Here effluent of four different colored direct dyes, i.e. Direct Red 28, Direct Yellow 12, Direct Orange 26 and Direct Blue 1 have been used for irrigation. On comparing the results with water (control), it was found that unexhausted dye and its concentration in the effluent leads to decrease in germination of the seeds, shoot length, root length, chlorophyll contents of the plants up to 44%, 55%, 45% and 48% respectively.