Analysis of reactive species in water activated by plasma and application to seed germination

The use of plasma has increased in bio-application field in recent years. Particularly, water treated by arc discharge or atmospheric pressure plasma has been actively utilized in bio-industry. In this study, we have developed a plasma activated water generating system. For this system, two kinds of plasma sources; dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma and arc discharge plasma have been used. The discharge energy was calculated using the breakdown voltage and current, and the emission spectrum was measured to investigate the generated reactive species. We also analyzed the amount of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in water using the chemical methods and nitric oxide sensor. Finally, the influence of plasma generated reactive species on the germination and growth of spinach (Spinacia oleracea) was investigated. Spinach is a green leafy vegetable that contains a large amount of various physiologically active organic compounds. However, it is characterized with a low seed germination rate.