Effect of Atmospheric Pressure Air DBD Plasma on Physio-Chemical and Microbial Parameters of Groundwater and its Use in Agriculture

Abstract

Cold atmospheric pressure plasma generated at atmospheric air produces high energetic electrons, ions, UV radiations, reactive oxygen, and nitrogen species (RONS) which has a wide range of applications in biomedicine, agriculture, textiles, water treatment, etc. Recently, many research has been carried out on ozonation through DBD plasma in water treatment. However, direct plasma treatment on water hasn't been extensively studied yet. In this study, the change in physical, chemical and biological parameters by the means of direct DBD plasma activation was examined. The significant reduction in the concentration of biological parameters such as total coliform and E. coli with increasing treatment time was found. Besides that, DBD plasma also lowered down the concentration of physical parameters such as pH, turbidity, total suspended solids, total dissolved solids, and increases electrical conductivity and dissolved oxygen. In addition, the significant drop in the concentration of chemical parameters such as chromium, manganese, sodium, phosphorus, and calcium was found along with the reduction in heavy metals concentration such as iron, cadmium, lead, and zinc. However, the concentration of nitrite, nitrate, and sulfur augmented gradually. Soaking seeds in plasma activated water (PAW) not only serves as an anti-bacterial but also enhanced the seed germination and plant growth. In case of radish, the action of PAW contributed to the early seed germination, improved content of photosynthetic pigments in the leaves, plants growth, insect control and soil remediation, which altogether contributed towards an increased food production as compared to normal water. The increase in the nitrate and nitrite ions in PAW could be the main reason for the increase in plant growth.