Volume 41 (2003) Issue 4 Pages 311-319
An investigation was carried out to ensure the proper water quality by using natural minerals that have electrochemical functions (i.e.Quartz Porphyry and ceramics made from Quartz Porphyry) . One type of ground water and Dhaka tap water from Bangladesh and Kochi tap water of Japan were used in various treatments. The treatments with ceramics and Quartz Porphyry significantly changed the physical properties of water, but small changes in chemical components of water were found after the treatments. The values of pH, oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) and surface tension (ST) in ceramics treated Kochi tap water and Dhaka tap water ranged around levels suitable for plant growth, while these values of the treated ground water of Bangladesh did not range around the suitable levels. Germination test with Komatsuna plants (Brassica rapaL. nothovar) was conducted to examine effects of the treated water on early plant growth. Ceramics treatments for Kochi tap water and Dhaka tap water significantly activated the early growth of Komatsuna plants. These results suggest that ceramics treatments of Kochi and Dhaka tap water can be expected as advantageous in controlling the growth of plants.