The role of plasma-activated water on the growth of freshwater algae Chlorella Pyrenoidosa and Chlorella Sorokiniana

Abstract

In the present work we have conducted two studies. In the first study, we investigated the role of plasma-activated water (PAW) in algae growth inhibition and in the second study, efforts are made to understand the role of PAW as a nitrogen source for algae growth enhancement. Two freshwater algae species are selected for the present study named Chlorella Pyrenoidosa and Chlorella Sorokiniana. The PAW is prepared using a pencil plasma jet and air as a plasma forming gas. The plasma is characterized electrically and identification of generated species in plasma is carried out using optical emission spectroscopy. The study clearly indicated that more oxidizing PAW exhibits algicidal effect. The PAW treatment with both the algae species substantially decreased their growth compared to control. Moreover, the morphology of algae cells showed damage and cells structure get ruptured after PAW treatment. In the second study, a less reactive PAW (low oxidizing potential) used as a nitrogen replacement in Bolds Basal Medium. The PAW-grown Chlorella Pyrenoidosa and Chlorella Sorokiniana showed higher growth compared to control. Also, a higher concentration of chlorophyll a and b, sugar, and protein observed compared to control. Further, we observed lower antioxidant enzymatic activities in PAW-grown algae compared to control. In conclusion, the PAW has algicidal efficacy as well as can be used as nitrogen source in aquaculture to enhance algae growth.