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.

Increase of secondary metabolites in sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) leaves by exposure to N2O5 with plasma technology

“…On the other hand, N 2 O 5 , one of the reactive nitrogen species produced by our recent APP technology, has very unique properties in its effects on plants. It is highly water soluble, reacts with water and is efficiently converted to nitrate ions, which can be used as a nitrogen source for several plants 3 . Furthermore, exposure to N 2 O 5 enhances plant immunity through increased secondary metabolites from tryptophan metabolism, but does not promote program cell death signaling in Arabidopsis 4 .…”

“…N 2 O 5 gas quickly reacts with water to generate reactive intermediate species ( e.g. , NO 2 + aq , [NO 2 + ·NO 3 − ] aq ), finally converted into NO 3 − ions 2 , which can be used as a nitrogen source fertilizer for plants 3 . In other words, N 2 O 5 does not have the residual properties found in other chemicals.…”

“…− ions 2 , which can be used as a nitrogen source fertilizer for plants 3 . In other words, N 2 O 5 does not have the residual properties found in other chemicals.…”