The plants contain significantly more biomass for fuel production
Hydrogen sulfide, the pungent stuff often referred to as sewer gas, is a deadly substance implicated in several mass extinctions, including one at the end of the Permian period 251 million years ago that wiped out more than three-quarters of all species on Earth.
But in low doses, hydrogen sulfide could greatly enhance plant growth, leading to a sharp increase in global food supplies and plentiful stock for biofuel production, new University of Washington research shows.
“We found some very interesting things, including that at the very lowest levels plant health improves. But that’s not what we were looking for,” said Frederick Dooley, a UW doctoral student in biology who led the research.
Dooley started off to examine the toxic effects of hydrogen sulfide on plants but mistakenly used only one-tenth the amount of the toxin he had intended. The results were so unbelievable that he repeated the experiment. Still unconvinced, he repeated it again – and again, and again. In fact, the results have been replicated so often that they are now “a near certainty,” he said.
“Everything else that’s ever been done on plants was looking at hydrogen sulfide in high concentrations,” he said.
The research is published online April 17 in PLOS ONE, a Public Library of Science journal.
At high concentrations – levels of 30 to 100 parts per million in water – hydrogen sulfide can be lethal to humans. At one part per million it emits a telltale rotten-egg smell. Dooley used a concentration of 1 part per billion or less to water seeds of peas, beans and wheat on a weekly basis. Treating the seeds less often reduced the effect, and watering more often typically killed them.
With wheat, all the seeds germinated in one to two days instead of four or five, and with peas and beans the typical 40 percent rate of germination rose to 60 to 70 percent.
“They germinate faster and they produce roots and leaves faster. Basically what we’ve done is accelerate the entire plant process,” he said.
Crop yields nearly doubled, said Peter Ward, Dooley’s doctoral adviser, a UW professor of biology and of Earth and space sciences and an authority on Earth’s mass extinctions.
Hydrogen sulfide, probably produced when sulfates in the oceans were decomposed by sulfur bacteria, is believed to have played a significant role in several extinction events, in particular the “Great Dying” at the end of the Permian period. Ward suggests that the rapid plant growth could be the result of genetic signaling passed down in the wake of mass extinctions.
The Latest Bing News on:
Hydrogen sulfide
- Uncertainty ahead of May 7 EPA emission ruleson May 6, 2024 at 7:50 pm
O DESSA, Texas (KOSA) - New EPA rules are set to take effect on May 7 and bring uncertainty, according to both supporters and opponents of the rules.
- 5 Dead After Inhaling Hazardous Gas at a Water Plant in Sicilyon May 6, 2024 at 12:13 pm
An official said the workers were killed by hydrogen sulfide, which is toxic in high concentrations. Italian officials and unions repeated urgent calls for better workplace safety.
- Tragedy in Casteldaccia: Fatal Sewage Plant Incident Due to Hydrogen Sulfide Poisoningon May 6, 2024 at 9:59 am
At a certain point, some of them began to feel unwell, presumably due to poisoning by hydrogen sulfide, a gas that causes irritation to the respiratory tract and suffocation. One of them managed to ...
- La Crosse orders City Brewery to stop rotten egg smell; daily fines beginon April 30, 2024 at 6:00 pm
City Brewery in La Crosse is being fined $100 per day for emitting rotten egg-like odors from its bioreactor. Repair plans are underway to address the problem.
- La Crosse orders City Brewery to stop the smells; daily fines beginon April 30, 2024 at 9:00 am
City Brewery in La Crosse is being fined $100 per day for emitting rotten egg-like odors from its bioreactor. Repair plans are underway to address the problem.
- City Brewery fined for foul smellson April 29, 2024 at 3:55 pm
City Brewery was issued a fine of $100 a day until they could show compliance and a contract confirming they were fixing the issues with the current hydrogen sulfide emissions ...
- Complaints of odors from Hartland Landfill linger as town works toward closureon April 29, 2024 at 3:35 pm
Some residents say the town and state do not do enough to respond to their concerns. Officials say they do what they can, and are following the wishes of voters.
- East Grand Forks sugar beet factory fined $350K for air quality violationson April 24, 2024 at 7:44 pm
The sugar beet plant emitted high levels of particulate matter and hydrogen sulfide, according to state regulators.
- Deep Dark Secretson January 27, 2023 at 3:10 pm
It's a layer of hydrogen sulfide, a toxic gas created by bacterial colonies and decaying organic matter. Divers entering the gas may experience itching skin, tingling, or dizziness; some smell ...
The Latest Google Headlines on:
Hydrogen sulfide
[google_news title=”” keyword=”Hydrogen sulfide” num_posts=”10″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”] [/vc_column_text]The Latest Bing News on:
Rapid plant growth
- What to know about this Manitowoc manufacturer's rapid growth as it breaks ground on another expansionon May 9, 2024 at 6:02 am
In the past year, Manitowoc Tool acquired Kaukauna-based MVI Machine Company and has continued operations as is with MVI operating under its current name. MVI produces parts for a variety of ...
- Managing growth in electric demand focus of candidates in OPPD's subdivision 8on May 9, 2024 at 5:00 am
Meeting rapid growth in electricity demand in the Omaha Public Power District is a key issue for three candidates who are facing off for a seat on the utility's board in the May 14 primary.
- Major Arkansas row crops seeing rapid planting across stateon May 8, 2024 at 7:30 am
Row crop planting in Arkansas is racing ahead at a rate not seen in the last five years. According to an April 29 U.S. Department of Agriculture report, 83 percent of the state’s planned rice acreage ...
- Unlocking the Secret to Happy, Healthy Indoor Plants: A Leaf of Faith Analysison May 7, 2024 at 1:20 am
In today’s rapid-paced world, finding solace in nature has turn out to be greater crucial than ever. Indoor flora not handiest enhance our residing areas but additionally make contributions to our ...
- Bahrain unveils tender for 2 MIGD Hawar desalination planton May 6, 2024 at 10:45 pm
Plant will have a net water capacity of 1 to 2MIGD of potable water . Bahrain unveils tender for 2 MIGD Hawar desalination plant . bahrain Utilities ...
- 7 Invasive Plant Species To Avoid Hosting In Your Garden or Yardon May 6, 2024 at 8:00 am
Explore the impact of seven invasive species on ecosystems. Understand the challenges and changes these invaders are causing globally.
- The Eastern Panhandle faces rapid growth and rising prices. We asked GOP state Senate hopefuls what they would do about iton May 6, 2024 at 3:00 am
Some eastern panhandle residents who worry that rapid growth is driving up living costs see the 2024 election as a chance for change.
- Sustainable Delights: Plant-Based Yogurt Industry Surges with a Projected CAGR of 13.1% by 2033on May 6, 2024 at 12:40 am
Plant-based Yogurt Market The global plant-based yogurt market is experiencing a remarkable surge, fueled by shifting consumer preferences towards healthier and more sustainable dietary choices. With ...
- Dairy-Free Cream Market Experiences Rapid Growth as Consumers opt for Plant-Based Alternativeson May 1, 2024 at 9:55 pm
The dairy-free cream market is projected to be worth US$ 413.9 million in 2023 and US$ 777 million in 2033. The United Kingdom, the United States, China, and India are expected to emerge as major ...
- Cheniere Energy: Expect The Same In Q1 Earnings, Growth Story Still Intacton April 29, 2024 at 6:45 am
The company is also one of the few pure-play producers of liquefied natural gas globally, as most liquefaction plants are operated by integrated ... the best ways for investors to profit from the ...
The Latest Google Headlines on:
Rapid plant growth
[google_news title=”” keyword=”rapid plant growth” num_posts=”10″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]