مرکز منطقه ای اطلاع رساني علوم و فناوري - Does Microwave Applied Water Kill the Plants? - Influence of Different Sterilization Techniques on Soil Biological Activity

Abstract :

Usage of microwave oven is widespread due to its more efficient converting capabilities of electric energy to the heat, compering to the other alternatives. However, considering the possible harmful effect of new developments on technologies, human are hesitating to use them. Moreover, news in the media which are not based on scientific facts is increasing apprehension of users. One of this news are mentioning about the lethal effects of microwave oven-sterilized water on the plants. According to this news plants have been killing by that water within 7 days. A pot trial conducted in order to test the news published in the media. Soils were sterilized by microwave oven as well as some other techniques, afterwards pots filled-up with this soil, and then corn seeds have been sawn. These pots irrigated by either sterilized or non-sterilized water. Throughout the experiment, all plants are survived. Neither microwave-sterilized-soil nor microwave-sterilized-water was caused the lethal effect on the plants. Even no statistical differences were observed on shoot dry weight. The lowest shoot dry weight observed as 3.84 g plant-1 whereas the highest value was 5.56 g plant-1. In contrary to expectations, the biological activity parameters of post-harvest soil samples were higher in sterilized soils than control.