Work

Bioconversion of wastewater from sweet potato starch production to Paenibacillus polymyxa biofertilizer for tea plants

Year: 2014

Type: article

Abstract: Wastewater from the sweet potato starch industry is a large source of nutrient-rich substrates. We assessed whether this wastewater could be used to produce Paenibacillus polymyxa biofertilizer for foliar application to tea trees. Using the central composite design methods we experientially determined that the optimal culture conditions for P. polymyxa were pH, 6.5; temperature, 29.0 °C; and incubation time, 16 h. Under these conditions, a maximum biomass of 9.7 × 10(9) cfu/mL was achieved. We then conducted a yearlong field investigation to determine the effect of P. polymyxa biofertilizer on the growth of tea plants (Camellia sinensis). Tea yield, quantity of water extract, and tea polyphenol levels were significantly higher after foliar application of the biofertilizer compared to that in the controls by an average of 16.7%, 6.3%, and 10.4%, respectively. This approach appears to be technically feasible for organic tea production, and is an environmentally friendly way to utilize wastewater.

Source: Scientific Reports

DOI: 10.1038/srep04131

Authors: Shengjun Xu, Zhihui Bai, Bo Jin, Runlin Xiao, Guoqiang Zhuang

Institutions: Chinese Academy of Sciences, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture

Language: English

Topic: Agriculture, Plant Science, Crop Management

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Zero hunger, Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,690