Development of new Lemnaceae breeding technology using Apol-humus and biogas plant waste

Abstract

Numerous possibilities of Lemnaceae use (biofuel production, supplementation of animal feed, phytoremediation, bioindication) as well as their cheap production and rapid growth offer many novel benefits. The experiment was carried out in laboratory conditions using Spirodela polyrrhiza plants. Plant cultivation was carried out in a phytotron room at 24°C, on the liquid standard “Z” medium which was supplemented with various concentrations of Apol-humus. Plant growth, chlorophyll index, net photosynthesis, transpiration, stomatal conductivity, intercellular CO2 concentration, fresh and dry weight were analysed. The obtained results indicated the beneficial effects of the addition of Apol-humus to the standard Z medium. The designed novel technologies were beneficial for the growth and development of Spirodela polyrrhiza and produced plants with physico-chemical parameters which surpassed those of the control. Rapid growth, a high chlorophyll index, and a far more intensive gas exchange resulted from the presence of fulvic and humic acids as well as chitosan polymers in the medium which originated from Apol-humus and of the substances originating from the waste of methane fermentation. The obtained results confirmed previous assumptions and demonstrated the possibility of obtaining increased biomass of Spirodela plants and also the possibility of using it in biogas plants and for environmental protection.