Effectiveness of treated sludge as plant growth modulator on the phytometabolics of African marigold (Tagetes erecta)

The current study investigated the effects of treated sludge on the phytochemical composition of African Marigold (Tagetes erecta) flowers. African Marigold flowers were cultivated with treated sludge and their phytochemical profiles were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Flowers from plants treated with sludge increased in various bioactive compounds, including ?-Pinene, linalool, ?-Caryophyllene, quercetin and luteolin, recognized for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. The study underscores the potential of treated sewage sludge as a sustainable soil amendment to improve plant growth and Marigold flowers' phytochemical profile. This study provides valuable prescience into agricultural practices that ensure sustainability and highlights the potential of sewage sludge as a beneficial resource for enhancing crop quality and bioactive compound content.