An examination of the effects of industrial wastewater and groundwater irrigation on the growth and heavy metal accumulation in radish (Raphanus sativus L.) was this study’s focus. Conducted during 2023–2024 in Baiji, Salah Al-Din Governorate, Iraq, the study additionally assessed the three types of bacteria’s role in reducing soil pollution and improving plant quality. Results indicated the average leaf height was 32.260 and 31.80 cm for industrial water and groundwater irrigation, respectively, enhancing to 34.7 and 38.0 cm with the addition of bacteria. Root length reached 11.70 and 8.70 cm with bacteria. The wet weight of leaves and roots was 32.600 and 49.00 g/plant, respectively, with industrial water, rising to 33.8 and 58.00 g/plant by adding bacteria. Nutrient concentrations (potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus) in leaves and roots increased with industrial watering to 3.639%, 4.933%, 3.113%, 3.673%, 0.219%, and 0.634%, respectively. With bacteria, the potassium and nitrogen values rose to 3.700%, 5.233%, and 3.967%); however, the phosphorus values slightly lowered (0.201% and 0.631%). Heavy metal concentrations significantly decreased with bacteria, and minimum values recorded in industrial wastewater and groundwater irrigation were for lead (0.087 and 0.384 ppm), nickel (0.017 and 0.207 ppm), cadmium (0.079 and 0.093 ppm), and zinc (0.594 and 1.997 ppm).
Radish (R. sativus L.), industrial wastewater, groundwater, bacterial bioaugmentation, growth traits, heavy metal accumulation
The addition of bacteria improved the growth traits and concentrations of primary nutrients in radish (R. sativus L.) irrigated with industrial wastewater and groundwater. The bacteria considerably helped in reducing the accumulation of heavy metals in leaves and roots. The results confirm the effectiveness of bacteria in improving plant quality and reducing soil pollution to enhance agricultural sustainability.