Evaluating the Reuse Potential of Combined Brewery‐Distillery Effluent Through Germination, Growth, and Pigment Responses of Multiple Chickpea Varieties

ABSTRACT This study evaluates the reuse potential of combined brewery‐distillery effluent (CBDE) by characterizing its physicochemical properties and assessing its effects on germination behavior, early seedling growth, and pigment content in seven varieties of chickpea ( Cicer arietinum L.). Seeds were exposed to four effluent concentrations (25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) of untreated (UTE), primary treated (PTE), and secondary treated (STE) CBDE, along with a tap‐water control under laboratory conditions. Distinct varietal differences were observed in physiological responses to CBDE. Varieties BGM547, CSJK24AVT‐2, and GNG1969 exhibited high sensitivity, performing optimally at 25% effluent, while higher effluent concentrations adversely affected their growth and physiological traits. In contrast, GNG1861, PG065, GNG2002, and BGM571 demonstrated tolerance, maintaining higher pigment accumulation and early growth under elevated concentrations of PTE and STE. Secondary‐treated effluent consistently led to more favorable responses than UTE, indicating reduced toxicity and improved nutrient availability. Hierarchical cluster analysis corroborated these observations by grouping tolerant varieties with STE treatments, while untreated effluent clustered with reduced growth and pigment values. Overall, the results indicate that varietal selection significantly influences plant responses to CBDE, suggesting that adequately treated and suitably diluted CBDE may serve as a nutrient‐enriched irrigation resource for tolerant varieties. However, field validation and long‐term soil quality assessments are necessary before implementing large‐scale applications.