Biodiesel Spentwash: Characterization, Amelioration and its effect on Seed Germination, Seedling Growth and Biochemical Parameters of French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

A laboratory study was conducted to characterize the biodiesel spentwash samples, amelioration by physical and chemical methods to improve the quality and to know the effects of treated and untreated biodiesel spentwash on seed germination, seedling growth, dry matter production and biochemical parameters of French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L). The biodiesel spentwash samples were collected from biodiesel production unit of UAS, Bangalore and used for the study. Different ameliorative methods were followed to treat the spentwash samples which include sand filtration, chemical coagulation etc., the treated and untreated spentwash samples were used for the germination experiments. Treated spentwash samples showed very good response in seed germination and other growth parameters, whereas the untreated (Raw Biodiesel Spentwash) samples showed inhibitory effects. The study suggests that biodiesel spentwash can be safely used for irrigation after proper treatments.