Utilizing plasma-generated N2O5 gas from atmospheric air as a novel gaseous nitrogen source for plants

Abstract

Fixing atmospheric nitrogen for use as fertilizer is a crucial process in promoting plant growth and enhancing crop yields in agricultural production. Currently, the chemical production of nitrogen fertilizer from atmospheric N₂ relies on the energy-intensive Haber–Bosch process. Therefore, developing a low-cost and easily applicable method for fixing nitrogen from the air would provide a beneficial alternative. In this study, we tested the utilization of dinitrogen pentoxide (N₂O₅) gas, generated from oxygen and nitrogen present in ambient air with the help of a portable plasma device, as a nitrogen source for the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. Nitrogen-deficient plants supplied with medium treated with N₂O₅, were able to overcome nitrogen deficiency, similar to those provided with medium containing a conventional nitrogen source. However, prolonged direct exposure of plants to N₂O₅ gas adversely affected their growth. Short-time exposure of plants to N₂O₅ gas mitigated its toxicity and was able to support growth. Moreover, when the exposure of N₂O₅ and the contact with plants were physically separated, plants cultured under nitrogen deficiency were able to grow. This study shows that N₂O₅ gas generated from atmospheric nitrogen can be used as an effective nutrient for plants, indicating its potential to serve as an alternative nitrogen fertilization method for promoting plant growth.