Analysis of Heavy Metal Accumulation in Ulva rigida and its Effects on Seed Germination of Pennisetum glaucum

Abstract

The alga contains salt and heavy metals that are accumulated in algae poses a significant challenge to the safe use of algae in soil fertilization and other applications. This study examines the relevance of algal biomass as an environmentally friendly fertilizer, thereby contributing to sustainable coastal management practices. In this study, the hot and cold extraction method were done to obtain the Ulva rigida extract. Heavy metals such as vanadium, chromium, manganese, iron, nickel, cobalt, copper, zinc and cadmium etc. were analyzed using ICP-MS. Heavy metal analysis showed that the major metals such as manganese, iron, vanadium and zinc in Ulva rigida extract. The algae extract was used in different concentration (20, 40, 60 and 80 μL) to analyze the seed germination study in Pennisetum glaucum and it was found that theseed germination were 100 % at 5th day after sowing and the root and shoot length increased with increasing concentration of Ulva rigida extract and at 80 μL the shoot length of Pennisetum glaucum were decreased. The aqueous extracts of Ulva rigida are eco-friendly, safe method for recycling the algal biomass as a novel biofertilizer.