Industrial Effluent Irrigation Modulates Bioactive Constituents and Safety Profile of Momordica charantia L. Implications for Nutraceutical Quality

The reuse of industrial effluents for irrigation is increasingly being considered as a sustainable solution to water scarcity
in agriculture. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of paper board industry effluent on biochemical
constituents, nutrient content, and heavy metal accumulation in bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.). The experiment
was conducted using five treatments: T₁ (rainwater irrigation as control), T₂ (25% effluent), T₃ (50% effluent), T₄ (75%
effluent), and T₅ (100% effluent), under a controlled soilless cultivation system. The results indicated that effluent
irrigation did not significantly influence key biochemical parameters, including ascorbic acid, charantin, and total
chlorophyll content. The values of these constituents remained within a narrow range across all treatments, suggesting that
crop quality and nutritional attributes were not adversely affected. Similarly, macronutrient (nitrogen, phosphorus,
potassium) and micronutrient content and uptake showed no significant variation among treatments, indicating that effluent
application maintained nutrient balance in plant tissues. Importantly, heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni),
chromium (Cr), and lead (Pb) were below detectable limits in all plant parts, confirming the safety of the produce. The
absence of heavy metal accumulation highlights the suitability of treated paper board industry effluent for agricultural
reuse. Overall, the findings demonstrate that paper board industry effluent can be safely utilized for irrigation of bitter
gourd under controlled conditions without compromising crop quality, nutrient status, or food safety. However, long-term
monitoring is recommended to ensure environmental sustainability.