Summary
This controlled storage study compared postharvest quality in hydroponic tomatoes irrigated with treated wastewater versus well water in Mexico's Valle del Mezquital region. Wastewater-grown fruits developed redder colour (lower hue angle) but lower sugar content (°Brix) under refrigeration, whilst soluble solids remained higher in well water-grown fruit under certain storage conditions. The findings provide partial scientific support for producers' claims that wastewater use affects postharvest quality, though effects were modest and attribute-specific.
Regional applicability
This study was conducted in Mexico and addresses wastewater reuse in horticultural production, a practice not currently widespread in United Kingdom commercial horticulture. However, the findings on storage conditions and ripening dynamics may have general relevance to UK tomato post-harvest handling protocols, and the methodological approach could inform UK research on alternative water sources if water scarcity becomes a policy concern.
Key measures
Hue angle, °Brix (total soluble solids), titratable acidity, fruit firmness, weight loss percentage, pH, measured at 10, 20, 30, and 40 days storage under three temperature and humidity regimes
Outcomes reported
The study evaluated postharvest quality attributes (hue angle, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, firmness, weight loss, pH) of hydroponic tomatoes grown with wastewater or well water, stored at three temperatures (4°C, 10°C, 20°C) for up to 40 days. Storage temperature and water source had differential effects on colour development and sugar accumulation, though not on firmness or weight loss.
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