Microbubble-enhanced plasma water-based nitrogen fixation: generation mechanisms, regulation strategies, and application prospects

Abstract This study introduces the solar-powered microbubble-enhanced plasma water-based nitrogen fixation (MEPWBNF) technology, a novel and environmentally friendly approach to nitrogen fixation that offers high efficiency. By employing Venturi tubes to produce a continuous flow of microbubbles, this technology significantly enhances the interaction between gaseous plasma nitrogen compounds and water, leading to improved solubility and reaction efficiency of nitrogen compounds in water. Comparative analyses reveal that MEPWBNF achieves a 33.7% reduction in energy consumption and a 52.8% increase in yield compared to traditional PWBNF methods without microbubble-enhanced method. Moreover, the resulting plasma-activated tap water can be directly utilized as a nutrient solution in hydroponic systems, effectively boosting lettuce growth. The adoption of MEPWBNF technology presents a promising strategy for reducing agricultural dependence on chemical fertilizers and advancing sustainable farming practices.