Sameh Samir Ali
Jiangsu University, P R China
Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Fundam Renewable Energy Appl
In order to reduce conventional energy sources dependence, biofuels derived from renewable sources have received extensive interest. Water hyacinth is a promising source in the production of clean renewable energy. In this study, water hyacinth as a promising potential energy crop and its role in alleviating salinity stress of Lupinus termis were studied. The physicochemical parameters of water hyacinth and the conventional feedstock (cow dung) were analyzed for nutrients and minerals content. Maximum cumulative biogas and methane production were recorded for water hyacinth compost. Salinity stress led to a highly significant decrease in all growth criteria of Lupinus termis. The application of water hyacinth compost to the soil resulted in a highly significant stimulation in the Lupinus termis growth parameters. Photosynthetic pigments showed that salinity level led to a highly significant decrease in chl.a and chl.b of Lupinus termis. The effect of water hyacinth compost on the photosynthetic pigment content was reflected in a highly significant increase in chl.a and chl.b with a highly significant decrease in carotenoids content at seedling stage. There was an increase in the activities of catalase and peroxidase at this seedling stage under salinity stress. Moreover, a highly significant increase in the ascorbate content was detected by high salinity. Finally, transmission electron micrograph (TEM) changes in the ultrastructure of leaves of 30- days old plantlets of Lupinus termis were studied. This study suggested that water hyacinth not only promising biofuel source but also enhances the growth parameters and alleviate salinity stress of Lupinus termis.
