Bulletin of ANPA

Abstract submitted to ANPA Conference July 14–16, 2023

Volume 5, Number 1

Atomic, Molecular, Optical and Plasma Physics

Abstract ID: ANPA2023-N00016

Abstract:

ANPA2023-N00016: CHARACTERIZATION AND APPLICATION OF ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE PLASMA FOR ENHANCED SEED GERMINATION AND AGRICULTURAL GROWTH

Authors:

• Roshan Chalise; Central department of Physics, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal,

• bhagirath ghimire; 2University of Alabama, Huntsville, AL, US

Atmospheric pressure plasma (APP) finds extensive applications across various fields to enhance human life quality such as food safety (microbial inactivation, bacteria-free food), healthcare (cancer treatment, wound healing, blood coagulation, dental procedures), micro-fabrication (etching, chemical vapor deposition), agriculture (insecticide, sterilization, growth enhancement, fertilizers), and environmental science (air and water pollution treatment). In this study, we have developed and characterized gliding arc, dielectric barrier discharge, and plasma jet systems using natural air in the laboratory of the Central Department of Physics. These plasma systems were then applied in agriculture fields (such as leaf mustard, paddy, cauliflower, coriander seed, and mushroom) both directly and indirectly (by exposing plasma to water and subsequently using the treated water on crops). The APP generates various reactive species, including nitrate, nitrite, hydrogen peroxide, and OH functional groups, which alter the properties of the seeds, seed germination, seedling growth, and water. The treated substrates exhibit decreased contact angles, rendering seeds more hydrophilic, enabling increased water absorption and improved germination rates. Plasma-activated water contains a higher concentration of reactive species, promoting growth enhancement and serving as a fertilizer and pesticide.

To cite this abstract, use the following reference: https://anpaglobal.org/conference/2023/ANPA2023-N00016