Evaluation of the suitability of reusing treated greywater for hydroponic lettuce cultivation: chemical health risk analysis

Modern hydroponic agriculture involves growing plants in nutrient-rich water. Urban greywater generation is ubiquitous and difficult to manage. This study examined the efficacy of a greywater reuse system in hydroponic lettuce cultivation incorporating the health risks of ingestion. The study's foundations were on-site greywater reuse, source severance, and hydroponic vegetable cultivation. Hydroponic lettuce cultivation in greywater reuse and a suitable greywater management approach were investigated. Kraty technique was employed with three replicates of controlled (nutrient water), greywater, and treated greywater media. This procedure involves only water and regular monitoring. This project attempts to grow hydroponic lettuce using domestic wastewater for agricultural production and effluent management. Biofiltration and infiltration removed microorganisms first. E.C., pH, DO, TDS, NO³⁻, PO₄³⁻, and K⁺ were measured in standard nutrient water, greywater, and treated greywater. The plants' subsequent uptake rate and performance in greywater solutions were constantly monitored. Nutrient control media, treated greywater, and raw greywater reduced N, P, and K uptake. This study examines plant growth, leaf, branch, weight, and stem length. Although the outcomes of nutrient water media were higher than those treated greywater and greywater, treated greywater results were efficacious. After a while, nutrient uptake practically stopped as the plants grew slowly. The targeted hazard quotient and health risk index did not exceed the permitted level, hence the chemical's health risks were minimal. Therefore, this hydroponic system can be a viable solution for greywater management and food security.