Summary
This hydroponic field trial evaluated the use of desalinated wastewater in nutrient film technique (NFT) production of cherry tomatoes at three salinity levels (EC 3.0, 6.0, and 9.0 dS m⁻¹). Despite a dose-dependent reduction in yield with increasing salinity, antioxidant composition and activity remained stable across treatments, suggesting that desalinated wastewater incorporation could support both resource recovery and maintenance of functional food quality in intensive tomato production.
Regional applicability
The study does not specify geography and likely reflects conditions in a controlled hydroponic facility, limiting direct applicability to United Kingdom field conditions. However, the findings on resource recycling through wastewater use and hydroponic intensification may be relevant to UK horticultural innovation, particularly in regions facing water scarcity or seeking to reduce nutrient solution waste.
Key measures
Ascorbic acid (vitamin C), lycopene, total phenolics (mg/100 g), antioxidant activity (ABTS assay, μmol TEAC/100 g), electrical conductivity (EC, dS m⁻¹), yield (t ha⁻¹)
Outcomes reported
The study measured yield and antioxidant composition (ascorbic acid, lycopene, total phenolics) and antioxidant activity of cherry tomatoes grown hydroponically at three salinity levels using desalinated wastewater. Results showed maintenance of antioxidant properties across salinity treatments, with estimated annual productivity ranging from 60.9 to 92.7 t ha⁻¹.
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