Yield and Nutritional Value of Abelmoshus esculentus L. (Okra) and Telfairia occidentalis Hook, F. (Fluted pumpkin) as Influenced by Beauty Salon Wastewater

The effect of beauty salon wastewater on yield and nutritional quality of Abelmoschus esculentus L. and Telfairia occidentalis F. was investigated. Plants were grown in perforated polythene bags filled with 3 kg of top soil and irrigated with 0 (control), 25, 50, 75 and 100% of the wastewater. Plants were laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) consisting of 5 treatments with 6 replicates per treatment. Results showed that the yield parameters of Abelmoschus esculentus including number of fruits/plant, fruit fresh weight and dry weight increased at 25-75% concentrations but decreased at highest concentration of 100% wastewater in comparison with the control. Similarly, the total biomass of Telfairia occidentalis and Abelmoschus esculentus increased at 25-75% concentrations of wastewater. The N, K, Ca and Na composition of the leaf of T. occidentalis and fruits of A. esculentus increased at all wastewater treatment levels. The percentage ash and protein increased in both plants treated with the wastewater. Lipid content increased while the fibre content decreased in T. occidentalis whereas in A. esculentus fibre content increased while the lipid content decreased in comparison to the control. Percentage carbohydrate increased in both plants treated with the wastewater. The use of beauty salon wastewater in irrigation of vegetables would not only reduce environmental pollution but also serve as an alternative source of fertilizer for vegetable production.