The effect of plasma-activated water in enhancing seeds germination, plant growth, and its use as a nitrogen source for algae growth*

In the present work, we studied the effect of plasma-activated water (PAW) treatment on pea seeds and the use of PAW as a nitrogen source for freshwater algae. The PAW treatment removes the wax from the seeds surface confirmed by morphology and energy dispersive X-ray analysis. The removal of wax from seeds surface makes the seeds surface hydrophilic and enhances the water-absorption capacity of seeds. Therefore, a faster germination rate, higher plant growth, and higher fresh and dry weight have been observed in PAW treated seeds in comparison to control. Moreover, the use of PAW as a nitrogen source significantly increases the algae growth compared to control.

            The biochemical analysis showed a higher concentration of chlorophyll ‘a’, sugar, and protein in PAW-grown plants and algae compared to control. Also, the electrolytic and phenolic leakage, and H₂O₂ concentration do not show any significant difference in PAW and control-grown plants and algal species. Moreover, no external oxidative stress is created in PAW-grown plants and algae compared to control shown in antioxidant enzyme activities. In conclusion, PAW has an enormous potential to be used in agriculture field to enhance seeds germination, plant growth, and its use as a nitrogen source for algae growth.