arXiv subjects

Priti Saxena

Publications and source records attributed to Priti Saxena.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Plasma-Enhanced Germination in North Indian Wheat

The application of nonthermal plasma in agriculture has emerged as a sustainable and eco-friendly method to enhance seed vigor, germination, and crop productivity. This study investigates the effects of atmospheric pressure plasma treatment on five popular bread wheat varieties of North India, WH 1142, HI 1544, GW 366, GW 322, and GW 273. Direct dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma exposure and plasma activated water irrigation were tested. Results indicated significant improvements in seed wettability, germination index, root and shoot growth, spike length, and grain yield compared to controls. Among treatments, 3 min DBD exposure and 15 min PAW irrigation consistently produced the best results, with variety specific differences in vigor and yield. These findings demonstrate the potential of plasma seed treatment as a chemical free technology to enhance productivity in wheat, contributing to sustainable agriculture in India.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2026

Plasma-Activated Zn, Fe, Mn Micronutrient Solutions for Crop Biofortification

Micronutrient deficiency in soils limits crop productivity and reduces the nutritional quality of cereals and pulses. Conventional fertilizer supplementation often suffers from low bioavailability and environmental losses. In this study, we investigate the use of Plasma Activated Water (PAW) enriched with divalent micronutrient ions as a sustainable alternative to enhance nutrient uptake, soil fertility, and seed vigor. The PAW was generated using a gliding arc plasma system in air, and ion-enriched solutions were prepared at controlled concentrations. The physicochemical parameters (pH, ORP, conductivity, RONS species) were analyzed to assess the plasma induced reactivity. Treatments were applied to micronutrient deficient soils for wheat (Triticum aestivum) and chickpea (Cicer arietinum) seeds under greenhouse conditions. Results demonstrated significant enhancement in germination index, chlorophyll content, and shoot root biomass compared to controls. PAW and ionic treatments notably increased the micronutrient content in grains, indicating effective biofortification. Soil microbial activity and enzyme assays showed no toxicity and a mild stimulatory effect due to reactive nitrogen species. This study establishes a green, scalable method of delivering micronutrients through plasma-activated irrigation water, linking plasma chemistry with sustainable agronomy and nutritional security.

q-bio.OT↗

arXiv2026

RONS Generation in Plasma-Activated Saline for Wound Healing

This study explores the physicochemical modifications and antimicrobial potential of plasma activated saline generated by exposing Sodium Chloride and Ringer solution to atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge plasma. Plasma activation produced reactive oxygen and nitrogen species leading to changes in pH, redox potential, conductivity and concentrations of Hydrogen Peroxide, Nitrogen and Nitrous Oxides. Effects of activation time, voltage, and gas composition were analyzed. Antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and E coli was assessed via MIC, CFU reduction and biofilm inhibition tests. Optimal plasma exposure achieved strong microbial inactivation with good biocompatibility. SEM and FTIR confirmed membrane damage, supporting PAS as a safe, nonantibiotic wound irrigation and disinfectant solution.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2026

Plasma-Activated Water (PAW) for the Degradation of Organic Pollutants in Diluted Industrial Effluents

Plasma activated water (PAW) offers a sustainable, nonthermal solution for degrading persistent organic pollutants in industrial effluents. This study employed a gliding arc plasma system to generate PAW for treating diluted waste water containing dyes, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals. Experimental parameters such as exposure time, dilution ratio, and pollutant concentration were varied, with analysis conducted using UV Vis spectroscopy, HPLC, TOC, and COD. Results showed high degradation efficiencies, up to 90% for dyes, 85% for pesticides, and 80% for pharmaceuticals following pseudo first order kinetics driven by hydroxyl and nitrate or nitrite radicals. The findings demonstrate PAWs potential as a green, scalable wastewater treatment strategy that minimizes chemical use, supports water reuse, and enhances environmental safety, with future scope for pilot scale applications.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2026

Synergistic Bioactivity of Neem and Tulsi Infusions Treated with Plasma-Activated Water

The integration of plasma activated water (PAW) with herbal infusions offers a sustainable approach to enhancing the functional bioactivity of plant derived compounds. In this study, neem (Azadirachta indica) and tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) infusions were treated with PAW generated using an atmospheric pressure gliding arc discharge system. The aim was to investigate plasma induced modifications in phytochemicals and their subsequent effects on antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Spectroscopic (UV Vis, FTIR) and chromatographic (HPLC) analyses demonstrated structural alterations in key polyphenolic constituents, accompanied by mild acidification and changes in redox potential. Total phenolic content (TPC) and flavonoid levels increased significantly following 10 min PAW treatment, while prolonged exposure (15 min) led to partial degradation, suggesting an optimum treatment window. Antioxidant assays (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP) confirmed improved radical scavenging capacity, correlating with enhanced reducing power of modified phytochemicals. Antimicrobial evaluation against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus revealed synergistic inhibitory effects, with reduced minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for PAW-treated infusions. Collectively, the results highlight the potential of PAW to modulate herbal bioactives, extending their efficacy in natural preservation systems and biomedical formulations. This green plasma-herbal synergy provides a promising pathway toward eco-friendly food safety and healthcare applications.

physics.plasm-ph↗