Comparison between the effect of activated waters on lentil seed germination using various plasma reactors and hydrogen injection system

TL;DR

This study compares the effects of plasma-activated water, hydrogen-rich water, and their combination on lentil seed germination, demonstrating significant improvements in germination parameters through these treatments.

Contribution

It introduces a novel comparison of plasma-activated and hydrogen-rich waters on seed germination, including simulation and spectroscopic analysis of plasma and water properties.

Findings

Germination parameters increased significantly with treated waters

Combined plasma-activated and hydrogen-rich water yielded the best results

Treatments accelerated germination rate and improved seed vigor

Abstract

As a threat to meeting the global demand for food created by the continued growth of the population, different methods are being applied to enhance seed germination and plant growth. This study investigates the effect of hydrogen-riched water (HRW), plasma-activated water (PAW) and their combination on the seed germination of lentils. For activating water, arc discharge reactors are generated under atmospheric pressure in the air. Simulations were also performed to simulate electric field and potential, fluid flow, and arc plasma. Using optical emission spectroscopy, species were evaluated in plasma columns. Raman spectra and physicochemical properties of water were investigated. On day 3 after treatment, the fraction and length of germinated seeds were evaluated. During germination, treated water significantly increased germination parameters such as final germination percentage, mean germination time, germination index, coefficient of germination velocity, and germination rate index. It can, therefore, be concluded that seed germination can be increased using PAW and hydrogenated PAW combined.