Can I Water Plants with Polluted Water in Oxygen Not Included?

Oxygen Not Included is a survival simulation game that requires players to manage resources and build sustainable ecosystems. One aspect of the game is growing plants, which means that players must understand how to water them properly. However, what happens when the water available is polluted? Can players still water their plants with it? In this article, we explore whether it is possible to use polluted water for plant growth in Oxygen Not Included.

The Effects of Polluted Water on Plants

Polluted water is water that has been contaminated by various substances like germs, pollutants, and other chemicals. When it comes to plant growth, polluted water can have adverse effects. Plants absorb water through their roots, which means that if the water they absorb is contaminated, the toxins in the water can damage the plant's growth and cause it to wilt or die. Additionally, pollutants in the water can leach into the soil, impacting the surrounding environment negatively. In Oxygen Not Included, this is represented by the quality of the water, which can impact the plant's growth rate.

The Pros and Cons of Using Polluted Water for Plant Care

Using polluted water to water plants in Oxygen Not Included comes with pros and cons. On the one hand, using polluted water means that players do not have to worry about water shortages, especially in the early stages of the game, when clean water is scarce. Additionally, polluted water is a byproduct of some of the machines in the game, so being able to use it can offer an efficient way to dispose of waste. On the other hand, as mentioned earlier, using polluted water can damage plant growth and impact the soil's quality. Since the quality of the soil affects the plant's growth rate, this can have far-reaching consequences on the sustainability of your ecosystem in the game.

How to Determine Whether Polluted Water is Safe to Use

While it's generally not recommended to use polluted water for plant growth in Oxygen Not Included, some instances allow players to use it without adverse effects. To determine whether the polluted water is safe to use, players need to check the quality of the water first. In the game, polluted water has different qualities, ranging from good to poor, to noxious. If the polluted water's quality is good or acceptable, it's generally safe to use it for plant growth. However, if the quality is poor or noxious, it's best to avoid using the polluted water, as it can have devastating effects on the plants and the environment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, using polluted water for plant growth in Oxygen Not Included can have both advantages and disadvantages. While it's an excellent way to repurpose waste and solve water shortages, polluted water can also harm the plant's growth and impact the soil's quality. Therefore, it's essential to determine whether the quality of the polluted water is acceptable before using it for plant care. Understanding how polluted water affects plant growth and the environment can help players build sustainable ecosystems and avoid compromising their long-term plans in the game.