Abstract
Photosynthesis process in plants generates numerous sources of bioenergy. However, only a small fraction is readily exploited for electrical energy. The impact of environmental factors is one of the significant physiological influences on the electrical potential of the plants. Hence, we developed a data acquisition (DAQ) system for instantaneous monitoring of electrical potential in plants and Aloe vera was used as a plant sample. The static response characterization, capability index (P/T), and Pearson's coefficient of correlation procedures were applied to assess the reliability of the obtained data. This developed system offers the capability of in situ monitoring and detecting gradual changes in the electrical potential of plants up to a correlational strength of greater than 0.7. Interpretation of the electrical signal mechanisms in the Aloe vera plant and the optimization of the electricity can be achieved through the application of this monitoring system. This system, therefore, can serve as a tool to measure and analyze the electrical signals in plants at different conditions.
Highlights
Existence of electrical signals in plant cells has been discovered and studied since 1873 [1,2,3]
The monitoring system consists of hardware and software with data acquisition (DAQ) and processing functions
Static response characteristics were examined to ensure the sampling of analog data is accurate, which is greater than 99% [27]
Summary
Existence of electrical signals in plant cells has been discovered and studied since 1873 [1,2,3]. The use of living plants to harvest energy has been extensively investigated to generate a locally available, cost-effective, locally abundant, ecologically accepted, and environmentally friendly power source. In another development, Magcap [7] claims that they successfully developed a new method to harvest electricity from trees due to the difference in pH between tree tissues and soil. Ryu et al [8] attempted to probe photosynthesis with their main focus on energy extraction They developed a way to manipulate the proteins contained in the thylakoids and interrupt the pathway along which electrons flow before they are used to make sugars (high photoelectrochemical). Even though harvesting electrical output directly from living plants is still unpretentious, it is promising and certainly worth exploring further [10]
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