Maximum Dry Weight Research Articles

Using steel slag as Ca2+ supplement to trigger microalgae growth and wastewater treatment

The application of algae-based technology for wastewater treatment and metabolites extraction relies on algal biomass yield. This study investigated the effect of steel slag supplement as a Ca2+ source on growth of green algae Chlorella sp. The improvement was dose-dependent. Small dose improved microalgae growth, while high dose exhibited negative effect on growth, chlorophyll a and oxygen evolution. The optimal dose of 0.75 g/L steel slag with leaching Ca2+ of 25 mg/L achieved maximum dry weight of microalgae, which was 1.4 times higher than the control. Dissolved oxygen was proposed to monitor growth, as it changed prior to Chl-a/Chl-b and Caro/Chl. Correlation analysis revealed that growth enhancement was due to combined effect of Ca2+, pH and HCO3-. Furthermore, microalgae accelerated Ca2+ leaching from steel slag. Heavy metals were below the limit of wastewater treatment effluent criteria. Nutrients removal ability of microalgae harvested from steel slag was improved. The investigation verified that CaO in steel slag was feasible to trigger microalgae growth, which attained recycling economy and environmental sustainability.

Effect of Iron and Silicon on Growth and Yield of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.)

The present study highlights the effect of Iron and Silicon on growth and yield of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.). Si occurs primarily in soil solution as monosilicic acid (H4SiO4) at concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 0.6 mm and is taken up by plants in this form. Silicon can mitigate the negative effects of abiotic stresses such as high temperature, freezing, drought, lodging, radiation, irradiation, and UV, as well as chemical stresses such as salt, nutrient imbalance, and metal toxicity. A field experiment was conducted during Zaid season 2022 at experimental field of Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India. The soil at the test site had a sandy loam texture, a pH of 7.3 that was almost neutral, and low levels of available potassium (215.4 kg/ha), nitrogen (230 kg/ha), phosphorus (13.60 kg/ha), and organic carbon (0.48%). The treatments consist of foliar spray of iron (0.5, 1.0, 1.5 %) at 35, 45 DAS and Foliar spray of Silicon (0.5, 1.0, 1.5 ml/L) at 50 DAS along with control (RDF: 80:40:40 NPK Kg/ha). The experiment was layout in Randomized Block Design with ten treatments each replicated thrice. Significantly higher plant height (205.66 cm), maximum plant dry weight (133.2 g) and the yield attributes namely test weight (25.82 g), grains/earhead (2368.33), grain yield (2850.00 Kg/ha), stover yield (4004.67 Kg/ha), maximum gross return (84645.00 INR/ha), net return (52313.00 INR/ha) and benefit cost ratio (1.61) were obtained in the treatment 9 with the application of 1.50% Iron along with 1.50ml/L Si.

Effect of Micronutrients on Growth and Yield of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.)

The field experiment was conducted during Zaid season 2022 at experimental field of Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences, Prayagraj and Uttar Pradesh, India. The soil of experimental plot was sandy loam in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH7.3), low in organic carbon (0.48%), available nitrogen (230 kg/ha), available phosphorus (13.60 kg/ha) and available potassium (215.4 kg/ha). The treatments consist of Zinc soil application (2.5,5 kg/ha) and Zinc foliar application (0.3, 0.6%) along Boron (0.3%) and Iron (0.3%) along with control. The experiment was layout in Randomized Block Design with ten treatments each replicated thrice. Higher plant height (185.19cm), maximum plant dry weight (92.86 g) and the yield attributes namely test weight (15.50g), grains/earhead (1297.67), grain yield (3.03t/ha), stover yield (4.16t/ha) was with treatment 9 [Zinc 2.5ka/ha + Zinc 0.3% + B 0.3% + Fe 0.3%].

Effect of Zinc Levels on Growth and Yield of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) Varieties

The field experiment was conducted at Crop Research Farm (CRF), Department of Agronomy, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj (U.P.) during Zaid season of 2022 on Cowpea crop. The treatments Consists of 3 levels of Zinc [20kg/ha, 0.6% and (10kg/ha + 0.3%)] and 3 different varieties (GOMTI, HIMANI-06, KASHI-KANCHAN) and a Control. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with 10 treatments replicated thrice. The application of Zinc (10kg/ha + 0.3%) + GOMTI variety recorded higher plant height (83.96 cm), more number of nodules per plant (9.20), maximum plant dry weight (12.55 g/plant), Crop growth rate (7.94 g/m2/day), Relative growth rate (0.037 g/g/day) and yield attributes namely Number of Pods per plant (14.44), Number of seeds per pod(18.55), Test weight(91.00 g), Seed yield (1.03 t/ha), Stover yield (5.33 t/ha) and Harvest index (16.12%) was found maximum in treatment 3 that is Zinc (10kg/ha + 0.3%) + GOMTI variety as compared to other treatment combinations. The maximum gross return (INR 112750.00/ha), net return (INR 74582.50/ha) and B:C ratio (1.95) is recorded in treatment 3 Zinc (10kg/ha + 0.3%) + GOMTI variety as well.

Anticoagulant effect of Feijoa sellowiana extracts generated by different biotechnological techniques

Blood clotting has become one of the most dangerous side effects associated with Corona virus, as well as the high level of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. Therefore, it has become necessary to use medicinal plants that are biologically safe and containing anti-clotting compound. Feijoa sellowiana represents a prolific source diverse compounds that may have thrombolytic activity. Therefore, the main research point is the production and scaling up of a target contents that have anticoagulants by using biotechnological techniques; calli production, and bioreactors and assessed their activity through in-vivo study. Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium enriched with varying concentrations of benzyl adenine (BA) and naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) was used to cultivate calli and cell suspension cultures from F. sellowiana seeds. Bioreactors were employed to boost active constituent's production. Moreover, the bioreactor physical factors such as effect of controlled or uncontrolled pH medium were investigated. The leaves of the main plant were extracted by ethanol 70% and polar and non-polar extracts were also prepared. The ethanol extract of calli and cells resulting from bioreactors were also prepared. All prepared extracts were subjected to chemical analysis by HPLC, in-vitro antioxidant assays, in-vivo anticoagulant activity and histopathological examination. Calli and cell suspension cultures were produced by using MS medium fortified with 1 mg/L BA+ 0.1 mg/L NAA. It was found that culturing of cell cultures in a bioreactor with uncontrolled pH and aeration at the value of 0.5 L/min gave the maximum and economical fresh and dry weights of the plants. After evaluation of all extracts; it was found that the calli ethanol extract for each plant was the highest value of total phenolic and total flavonoid contents either quantitatively or qualitatively. All extracts of Feijoa had antioxidant activity. The IC50 of the DPPH of Feijoa calli extract was 13.45 μg/mL, it was also confirmed by FRAP and ABTs values. Feijoa calli extract decreased platelet aggregation by suppression of thrombin, extended aPTT, PT, bleeding and clotting times. It was safer than warfarin medication. From these findings the authors can conclude that Feijoa had highly anticoagulant activity and the calli production achieved the goal of the enhancement of the phenolic constituent and thus their activity.

GC-MS PROFILE, SYNTHESIS AND SPECTRAL CHARACTERIZATION OF FLAVONOID-METAL (CADMIUM, COBALT, COPPER, NICKEL) COMPLEXES OF JATROPHA CURCUS LEAVES

Objective: The main aim of this research is to determine the optimum conditions required for the synthesis of metal-flavonoid complexes from leaves of Jatropha curcus. Methods: Soxhlet extractor was used for the extraction. Phytochemical screening was carried out using the method described by Harborne. The phytochemical profile of the extract was determined using GC-MS. The flavonoid-metal complexes were synthesized using different transition metal salts and the methanolic plant leaves extract. The synthesis was carried out by varying the pH, metal ion and extract concentrations. The solubility of the flavonoid-metal complexes in different solvents was determined. The synthesized complexes were subjected to UV-visible and FTIR analysis. Results: Methanol extract gave a yield of 4. 88%. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of Flavonoids, steroids and alkaloids. The GC-MS analysis showed the presence of 14 compounds. Maximum dry weights of complexes formed between 600-700 mg were obtained at a concentration of 1000 ppm crude extract and for the metal ion concentrations, the optimum concentration observed for Cd2+and Cu2+complexes was 120 ppm while that of Ni2+and Co2+complexes was 140 ppm. Most suitable pH for copper-flavonoid was 8, for cobalt-and cadmium-flavonoid complexes was 9 and pH of 10 for nickel-flavonoid complexes. The FTIR results showed the formation of the complex due to the shift observed in the band assigned to C=O The UV/visible spectrum showed absorbance in the wavelength range of 250-480 nm. Conclusion: Flavonoid-metal complexes were synthesized and their optimum conditions determine.

Effects of silicon nanoparticles and conventional Si amendments on growth and nutrient accumulation by maize (Zea mays L.) grown in saline-sodic soil

Salinity is one of the major abiotic stresses in arid and semiarid climates which threatens the food security of the world. Present study had been designed to assess the efficacy of different abiogenic sources of silicon (Si) to mitigate the salinity stress on maize crop grown on salt-affected soil. Abiogenic sources of Si including silicic acid (SA), sodium silicate (Na–Si), potassium silicate (K–Si), and nanoparticles of silicon (NPs-Si) were applied in saline-sodic soil. Two consecutive maize crops with different seasons were harvested to evaluate the growth response of maize under salinity stress. Post-harvest soil analysis showed a significant decrease in soil electrical conductivity of soil paste extract (ECe) (−23.0%), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) (−47.7%) and pH of soil saturated paste (pHs) (−9.5%) by comparing with salt-affected control. Results revealed that the maximum root dry weight was recorded in maize1 by the application of NPs-Si (149.3%) and maize2 (88.6%) over control. The maximum shoot dry weight was observed by the application of NPs-Si in maize1 (42.0%) and maize2 (7.4%) by comparing with control treatment. The physiological parameters like chlorophyll contents (52.5%), photosynthetic rate (84.6%), transpiration (100.2%), stomatal conductance (50.5%), and internal CO2 concentration (61.6%) were increased by NPs-Si in the maize1 crop when compared with the control treatment. The application of an abiogenic source (NPs-Si) of Si significantly increased the concentration of phosphorus (P) in roots (223.4%), shoots (22.3%), and cobs (130.3%) of the first maize crop. The current study concluded that the application of NPs-Si and K–Si improved the plant growth by increasing the availability of nutrients like P and potassium (K), physiological attributes, and by reducing the salts stress and cationic ratios in maize after maize crop rotation..

Use of Marble Waste as A Road Base Material in Different Size Ranges

Along with the economic loss caused by the non-use of waste worldwide, uncontrolled storage also brings an additional cost. Today, the rapid increase in the population and the rapid depletion of natural resources in nature lead us to research the recycling possibilities of waste materials. In this context, using marble waste in road pavements is one of the best areas of use. This study investigated the suitability of substituting the marble waste obtained from a marble quarry in Bilecik, Turkey, in the road base layer instead of the aggregate, which was used all the time in the base layer in highway construction at different intervals. The physical tests carried out in this context have met the base material limit conditions of the Turkish Highways Technical Specification (THTS). Mixtures obtained in modified Proctor experiments, and optimum water contents (wopt) and maximum dry unit volume weight (rdmax) were determined for each mixture. California bearing ratio (CBR) values remained above the limit value of all mixtures for 0 days and 7 days of curing according to the specifications for THTS. In addition, CBR values were obtained after freezing-thawing at 4, 12, and 20 cycle numbers. According to the freeze-thaw test results, there was an increase in CBR values in the first 4 cycles and a decrease in the following cycles. Still, all the test results obtained remained above the limit value according to the specifications for THTS. Aggregate unit cost constitutes approximately twice the unit cost of marble waste. Besides, this difference has created an economic equality distance of 18.9 km. Therefore, a marble quarry, a road construction site within the calculated economic equality distance and marble waste material will provide a financial gain for our country. With the evaluation of quarry waste all over the world, we can leave a liveable world with rich raw material resources and a strong economy for future generations.

Regulatory mechanism of high-concentration CO2 on polysaccharide accumulation in Tetradesmus obliquus cultured in sludge extract

Microalgae such as Tetradesmus obliquus have great potential in immobilizing high-concentration CO2 and removing highly toxic organic matters, which could be produced from coal chemical industry and coal chemical wastewater biological treatment process. In this study, Tetradesmus obliquus was cultured in sludge extract and high-concentration CO2 was added. The maximum cell density and dry weight were respectively (111.46 ± 4.87) × 106 cell/mL and 3.365 ± 0.168g/L under 30% CO2. Tetradesmus obliquus accumulated the most polysaccharides (629.60 ± 31.48mg/L) on the 30th day under 30% CO2. The results of proteomic showed that the upregulation of A0A2Z4THB7 and A0A383VAT1 promoted polysaccharide accumulation. Polysaccharide was mainly formed at the stable phase instead of the log-growth phase due to the abiotic stress caused by high TOC at the log-growth phase. Collectively, this study revealed the regulatory mechanism of high-concentration CO2 on the toxicity removal and accumulation of polysaccharides in Tetradesmus obliquus.

Influence of Phosphorus, Sulphur and Zinc Levels on Growth and Yield of Blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.)

A field trial was undertaken on the crop black gram in the Zaid season of 2021–2022, at the Crop Research Farm (CRF), in the department of agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj, (U.P). The trail was carried out to research “the influence of different levels of phosphorus, sulphur, and zinc on black gram crop”. The soil of the exploratory plot had a sandy loam texture, a naturally occurring pH of 7.1, a low level of organic carbon (0.36%), and readily available amounts of N (171.48 kg/ha), P (15.2 kg/ha), and K (232.5 kg/ha). The treatment included two amounts of phosphorus (40 and 50 kg/ha), sulphur (15 and 20 kg/ha), zinc (10 and 15 kg/ha) and a control. The experiment was designed in RBD, duplicated three times, and included nine treatments. The experiment's findings indicated that applying 50 kg/ha of phosphorus and 15 kg/ha of zinc to the soil (Treatment 8) resulted in the highest plant height (28.50 cm), number of nodules per plant counted (25.77), maximum plant dry weight (4.19 g/plant), higher number of pods per plant (30.67), a greater number of seeds per pod (12.00), test weight (36.30 g), seed yield (0.85 t/ha), straw yield (1.99 t/ha), and harvest index, were found to be non-significant. The same treatment (T8) also produced the maximum gross return (73720 INR/ha), net return (47732 INR/ha), and benefit: cost ratio (1.83).

SYNERGISTIC EFFECTS OF NITROGEN DEPRIVATION AND HIGH IRRADIANCE TO ENHANCE BIOMASS AND LIPID PRODUCTION IN NANNOCHLOROPSIS

Nannochloropsis, due to its high lipid content, small size and growth rate, can be exploited for the production of biofuel and other value-added products. This study analyzed synergistic responses of high irradiance and nitrogen deprivation on Nannochloropsis cells to enhance biomass and lipid production. The growth of Nannochloropsis was first optimized under different irradiance 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 μmol photons m-2 s-1. The maximum specific growth rate (0.25 day-1) and dry weight (0.67 g L-1) were obtained (p<0.05) at photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) of 200 µmol photons m-2 s-1, further increase in light intensity decreased the growth rate and dry weight up to 0.2 day-1 and 0.41g L-1, respectively. The stress of high light for a short period increased the lipid content by 51.1% and decreased the protein content by 35.2% over the control values. In the second phase of the study, the combined stress of high light intensity of 200 µmol photons m-2 s-1 PAR and nitrate depletion (50%, 75%, 100% N-) were studied and observed significant (p<0.05) increase in lipid content from 21.3±1.4% to 43.2±1.56% DCW and decrease in protein from 30.7±1.3% to 16.3±1.2% DCW, respectively. The highest lipid productivity (140 mg L-1 d-1) had been observed in a culture grown at 75% N- starved cells (p<0.05). However, the further increase of nitrate deprivation to 100% decreased the lipid productivity to 107 mg L-1 d-1. Maximum accumulations of TG (19.6% DCW) were observed on 6 days (early stationary phase) in a 100% nitrogen deprived medium, although significant accumulation was observed on 4 days and 6 days of nitrate reduction.

Response of Boron and Biofertilizers on Growth and Yield of Summer Blackgram (Vigna mungo L.)

During the summer of 2022, the experiment was carried out at a crop research farm for agricultural research in the department of agronomy. The treatments included three levels of boron application to the soil (1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 kg/ha), Rhizobium seed inoculation at 10 and 20 g/kg, and PSB seed inoculation at 10 and 20 g/kg and a control. Ten treatments were used in the experiment, which was designed as an RBD and triple replicated. Inoculating seeds with 2.0 kg of boron and 10g/kg each of Rhizobium and PSB resulted in the maximum plant height, number of branches, number of nodules, maximum plant dry weight, CGR, RGR, and yield parameters such as more pods per plant, seeds per pod, test weight, and seed yield and stover yield.

Spring Wheat’s Ability to Utilize Nitrogen More Effectively Is Influenced by Root Phene Variation

Genetic improvement for nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) can play a very crucial role in sustainable agriculture. Root traits have hardly been explored in major wheat breeding programs, more so in spring germplasm, largely because of the difficulty in their scoring. A total of 175 advanced/improved Indian spring wheat genotypes were screened for root traits and nitrogen uptake and nitrogen utilization at varying nitrogen levels in hydroponic conditions to dissect the complex NUE trait into its component traits and to study the extent of variability that exists for those traits in Indian germplasm. Analysis of genetic variance showed a considerable amount of genetic variability for nitrogen uptake efficiency (NUpE), nitrogen utilization efficiency (NUtE), and most of the root and shoot traits. Improved spring wheat breeding lines were found to have very large variability for maximum root length (MRL) and root dry weights (RDW) with strong genetic advance. In contrast to high nitrogen (HN), a low nitrogen (LN) environment was more effective in differentiating wheat genotypes for NUE and its component traits. Shoot dry weight (SDW), RDW, MRL, and NUpE were found to have a strong association with NUE. Further study revealed the role of root surface area (RSA) and total root length (TRL) in RDW formation as well as in nitrogen uptake and therefore can be targeted for selection to further the genetic gain for grain yield under high input or sustainable agriculture under limited inputs.

Growth and yield performance of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) as influenced by cow dung and NPK fertilizers

A field experiment was conducted at the research farm of Charfasson Govt. College, Bhola, Bangladesh in rabi season in 2015-2016 to evaluate the effect of cow dung and chemical fertilizers on growth and yield of sunflower cv. BARI-2 (Keroni-2). Highest plant height (208.4 cm), leaf area (410.5 cm2) and leaf area index (12.75) were recorded in T16 (7.5 ton CD ha-1 +N120P90K150kg ha-1). Highest dry matter yield viz. stem (60.67g plant-1) found in treatment T16 (7.5 ton CD ha- 1+N120 P90K150kg ha-1). Maximum dry weight of leaf (25.33g plant-1) and dry weight of root (12.83g plant-1) were found in treatment T15 (7.5 ton CD ha-1 +N80P60K100kg ha-1). Highest dry weight of seed (64.7 g plant-1) and dry wt. of 100 seed (9.8 g) were found in treatment T15 (7.5 ton CD ha-1 +N80P60K100kg ha-1) but the highest number of seed (735.7plant-1) and florescence diameter (52.67 cm) were observed in treatment T13 (5 ton CD ha-1 +N120P90K150kg ha-1). Maximum total dry matter yield per plant was 92.01 g and per hectare was 5.75 ton in T16 (7.5 ton CD ha-1+N120P90K150kg ha-1). Results revealed that the combined application of cow dung and NPK fertilizers produced better growth and yield of sunflower in field condition at the coastal belt of Bangladesh. Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 32(1): 83-90, 2023 (January)

Optimization of the culture of Chlorella sorokiniana PA.91 by RSM: effect of temperature, light intensity, and MgAC-NPs.

The unique physicochemical properties of magnesium amino clay nanoparticles (MgAC-NPs) tends to be beneficial in the application as a co-additive in treating microalgae. Also, MgAC-NPs can create oxidative stress in the environment, concurrently elective control bacteria in mixotrophic culture, and stimulate CO2 biofixation. The condition of the cultivation of newly isolated strains, Chlorella sorokiniana PA.91, was optimized for the first time for MgAC-NPs at various temperatures and light intensities in the culture medium of municipal wastewater (MWW) by central composite design in the response surface methodology (RSM-CCD). This study examined synthesized MgAC-NP with their FE-SEM, EDX, XRD, and FT-IR characteristics. The synthesized MgAC-NPs were naturally stable, cubic shaped, and within the size range of 30-60nm. The optimization results show that at culture conditions of 20°C, 37μmolm-2s-1, and 0.05g L-1, microalga MgAC-NPs have the best growth productivity and biomass performance. Maximum dry biomass weight (55.41%), specific growth rate (30.26%), chlorophyll (81.26%), and carotenoids (35.71%) were achieved under the optimized condition. Experimental results displayed that C.S. PA.91 has a high capacity for lipid extraction (1.36g L-1) and significant lipid efficiency (45.1%). Also, in 0.2 and 0.05g L-1 of the MgAC-NPs, COD removal efficiency 91.1% and 81.34% from C.S. PA.91 showed, respectively. These results showed the potential of C.S. PA.91-MgAC-NPs for nutrient removal in wastewater treatment plants and their quality as sources of biodiesel.

Abscisic acid plays a key role in the regulation of date palm fruit ripening.

The date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) fruit is of major importance for the nutrition of broad populations in the world's desert strip; yet it is sorely understudied. Understanding the mechanism regulating date fruit development and ripening is essential to customise date crop to the climatic change, which elaborates yield losses due to often too early occurring wet season. This study aimed to uncover the mechanism regulating date fruit ripening. To that end, we followed the natural process of date fruit development and the effects of exogenous hormone application on fruit ripening in the elite cultivar 'Medjool'. The results of the current study indicate that the onset of fruit ripening occurre once the seed had reached maximum dry weight. From this point, fruit pericarp endogenous abscisic acid (ABA) levels consistently increased until fruit harvest. The final stage in fruit ripening, the yellow-to-brown transition, was preceded by an arrest of xylem-mediated water transport into the fruit. Exogenous ABA application enhanced fruit ripening when applied just before the green-to-yellow fruit color transition. Repeated ABA applications hastened various fruit ripening processes, resulting in earlier fruit harvest. The data presented supports a pivotal role for ABA in the regulation of date fruit ripening.

Cultivation of Arthrospira platensis and harvesting using edible fungi isolated from mould soybean cake

In this study, the cultivation and harvesting of Arthrospira platensis biomass were proposed via simple, safe, and efficient techniques for direct consumption. Cultivation of microalgae in a covered macrobubble column under outdoor conditions resulted in significant differences (p < 0.05) with a maximum dry cell weight (Xm) of 0.959 ± 0.046 g/L. Notably, outdoor cultures resulted in approximately twofold biomass compared to indoor cultures. This outcome shows that the developed outdoor setup integrated with solar panels while utilising Malaysia's weather and atmospheric air as carbon sources is viable. Meanwhile, for harvesting, the screening showed that the fungus isolated from mould soybean cake (tempeh) starter indicated the highest harvesting efficiency, which was then further identified as Rhizopus microsporus, microscopically and molecularly. Overall, the economical and portable setup of outdoor cultivation coupled with safe harvesting via locally isolated fungus from tempeh as a bioflocculant would provide sustainability to produce A. platensis biomass.

Carbon nanotubes-mediated production of biomass and phenolic compounds in callus cultures of Fagonia indica

Carbon nanotubes have been applied recently to plants for controlling various biological activities. In this study, we used carbon nanotubes for the first time to trigger biological changes in Fagonia indica callus cultures that were either supplemented with or deprived of sugar source. We aimed to assess for the first time whether carbon-based nanomaterial could play a role in synergy with a carbon source (i.e. sugar) provided to cell cultures of plants. Cell cultures of Fagonia indica were given varying concentrations of carbon nanotubes with or without sucrose to examine their effects on biomass accumulation, phytochemical content, and antioxidant activity. Our results showed that maximum fresh (23.33 g) and dry weight (0.89 g) was produced when callus was supplemented with 10 mg/L of carbon nanotubes and 45 g/L of sucrose. Similarly, the highest total phenolic content, 235.62 µg/g (control = 111.39 µg/g), and total antioxidant capacity 292.37 µg/g (control: 51.811 µg/g) was observed in 20 days old callus added with carbon nanotubes (20 mg/L) + sucrose (45 g/L). Similarly, Maximum total flavonoid content of 157.39 µg/g (control = 96.83 µg/g) was recorded in 40 days when supplemented with carbon nanotubes (20 mg/L) + Sucrose (15 g/L). High-Performance Liquid Chromatography analysis showed that carbon nanotubes with a low level of sucrose had triggering effects on secondary metabolites such as Caffeic acid, Rutin, Hydroxy benzoic acid when supplied with different concentrations of carbon nanotubes and sucrose. According to these findings, carbon nanotubes combined with sucrose favoured callus growth, phytochemical synthesis, and antioxidant potential.

Comparative analysis of IoT-based controlled environment and uncontrolled environment plant growth monitoring system for hydroponic indoor vertical farm

Agriculture is a very important economic sector that contributes to a nation's overall economic development. According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, with a rising population, the cereals demand will reach 3 billion tons by 2050. Also, the mission of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is to provide zero hunger and sustainable agriculture by 2030. With a simultaneous decline in cultivable land and water scarcity, food production has to increase in order to achieve the above mission. Vertical farming is a current state of art agriculture technology to increase crop yield per unit area. This work focuses on designing and constructing an IoT-enabled smart vertical farming system with a controlled environment for plant growth. This system uses the hydroponic Deep Flow Technique (DFT), various sensors, and an auto pH and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) balancing system. This paper provides a comparative analysis of IoT-based controlled environment vertical farming setup with the uncontrolled setup for Romaine lettuce in terms of plant growth parameters like plant height, maximum leaf length, maximum leaf width, and fresh and dry weight of the plant. The observed fresh weight of the aerial part for automated and unautomated setup is found to be 58.66 g and 48.81 g respectively. Also, the chemical analysis showed the plants possess the required optimum range of micro and macronutrients for both setups. The macronutrient results obtained for the controlled/automated (A setup), and uncontrolled/unautomated setup (U setup for Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K) are (PA, PU) (5.91 g/Kg, 6.06 g/Kg), and (KA, KU) (67.03 g/Kg, 74.01 g/Kg) respectively.

Complete N and P removal from hydroponic greenhouse wastewater by Tetradesmus obliquus: A strategy for algal bioremediation and cultivation in Nordic countries

Agricultural wastewaters are a major source of pollution in nature. Here, agricultural wastewaters from a commercial hydroponic greenhouse were used to cultivate the microalga Tetradesmus obliquus sp. NIVA-CHL107 in order to assess its bioremediation ability and evaluate the potential held in biomass derived from wastewater. The batch cultivation trials were performed using a pilot scale indoor photobioreactor equipped with LEDs. The culture achieved 100 % removal efficiency of N and P and a maximum dry weight (DW) of 6.2 g L−1. At the exponential phase of growth, the biomass had a protein content of 45–50 % of DW and a carbohydrate fraction representing 20 % of DW. At the stationary phase, the carbohydrates increased to 60 % of DW. The PUFA content was higher during the exponential phase, representing >65 % of total fatty acids. Throughout the cultivation, the predominant carotenoids were lutein and β-carotene. The Tetradesmus obliquus sp. NIVA-CHL107 was demonstrated to be a suitable candidate for an algal biorefinery designed for hydroponic wastewater treatment and a multi-product pipeline.