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Wheat grass juice (WGJ) is an extract of young wheat plantlets (Triticum aetivum L.) used worldwide for its health related properties. In this study, the following feeds containing WGJ were tested on common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.): Control (C), WGJ1% (V1), WGJ2% (V2) and WGJ4% (V3) w/w. Fish with an average initial weight of 102 g/individual were grown in a recirculating aquaculture system. The results showed that WGJ had stimulatory effects on growth performance. Accordingly, final body weight increased by 11% at V1, 39% at V2 and 23% at V3, while other indices (feed conversion ratio, specific growth rate, relative growth rate, protein efficiency ratio, and condition factor) were unaffected. Body composition analyses revealed a significant decrease in fat content at V2 and a significant increase in collagen and ash at the same variant, while the protein content was unmodified. Regarding the blood profile, significant increases in the content of albumin, globulin, total protein, and calcium were recorded in the variants with WGJ. The positive results of WGJ on carp can be attributed to its biochemical composition, which is rich in chlorophyll (4.71 mg mL−1), total phenols (164 µg mL−1 gallic acid equivalents), and high antioxidant activity (67% inhibition of DPPH 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl). The results suggest WGJ can be used as a promising feed additive for common carp.

In response to urgent demand to raise awareness of the nutritional and health benefits of tomato consumption and to advocate for healthy diets through increased sustainable production and consumption of fruits and vegetables, this study is intended to promote a healthy and balanced lifestyle, sharing the best practices of production and consumption. The aim of this research was to compare the effects of the growing system (field vs. plastic tunnel) and of genotype characteristics for organic improved tomato genotypes. The research was carried out in the 2019 and 2020 years on eight improved tomato genotypes. The results showed that the ascorbic acid content presented higher values for organic tomatoes cultivated in the field for all genotypes studied, with an upper limit of 18.57 mg·100 g−1 FW. In contrast, the content in β-carotene and lycopene showed higher values for genotypes grown under plastic tunnel conditions. Significant statistical differences were noticed concerning the mean values of all genotypes according to cultivation conditions (field vs. plastic tunnel) for most parameters excepting total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), maturity index (MI) and flavor index (FI). This highlights the major importance of the selection of some genotypes of tomatoes that respond positively to the organic cultivation system in terms of the presence of the antioxidants compounds (vitamin C, lycopene, and carotene) in representative quantities. Genotype 3 is highlighted by the highest content in carotene (7.4 mg·100 g−1 F.W.) and lycopene (8.4 mg·100 g−1 F.W.) and genotype 5 by the highest content in vitamin C (16.8 mg·100 g−1 F.W.). The results of the study suggest that by applying appropriate techniques for growing organic tomatoes in the plastic tunnel system, the antioxidant substrate can be optimized compared to the results obtained for the field system.

The aim of the present study was to assess the influence of two varieties of rhubarb (Glanskin�s Perpetual and De Moldova) and two densities, 10.000 and 13.300 pl/ha on the content of macro (K, Ca, P, Mg, Fe and S), micro�elements (Al, Si and Mn), organic acids (tartaric, oxalic, citric, malic and ascorbic) and total production. The content of oxalic acid in the four versions ranged from 2.3 mg/mL juice in the case of Glanskin�s perpetual cultivation, with the density of 13.300 pl/ha at 3.8 mg/mL in the case of the Moldova variety at the same density. The content of tartaric acid varied in wide limits from 1.75 mg/mL juice to 6.5 mg/mL juice. The content of macro-elements varied within wide limits, the report being: Fe ] K ] Mg ]S ] P ] Ca. The largest production was obtained at the variety De Moldova with density of 13.300 pl/ha.

Conventional management of sweet pepper is based on farming practices characterized by the use of chemicals with harmful environmental impact. In order to investigate innovative production, research was carried out in order to assess the effects of two pepper cultivars (‘Brillant’ and ‘Yolo Wonder’) in combination with four farming systems (Conventional control-C; Conventional with microorganism-enriched fertilization-CMF; Organic control-O; Organic with microorganism-enriched fertilization-OMF) on plant physiological parameters, yield and fruit quality. Conventionally grown plants showed higher values of assimilatory pigments and of photosynthetic rate compared to the Organically ones. The CMF resulted in the highest early and total yield, followed by the OMF, due to higher fruit number. Higher values of carotenoids, ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol were recorded in ‘Yolo Wonder’ red fruits compared to ‘Brillant’ yellow berries. The highest total polyphenols concentration was recorded under the CMF, whereas OMF resulted in the highest flavonoids concentration and antioxidant activity.

The strawberry is a low-growing, herbaceous perennial plant, sensitive to iron deficiency. The iron deficiency represents a nutritional disorder, leading to a decreased content of photosynthetic pigments, which determines the yellow color characteristic of chlorotic leaves. Therefore, in calcareous soils, the use of synthetic iron chelate is often mandatory in strawberry cultivation. The employment of novel microorganism-based formulations as alternatives to the use of iron chelates, was evaluated during strawberry cultivation by monitoring the morpho-biometric parameters, chlorophylls, the iron content in leaves and roots, and the Fe chelate reductase activity involved in absorption of iron during the chlorosis event in plants using the strategy I. The experimental design envisaged growing strawberry seedlings on an inert substrate (pumice), irrigated with Hoagland solution iron-free, with a 12 h photoperiod. After 42 days, at the first appearance of chlorosis symptoms, plants were transplanted into a calcareous soil, and after seven days, they were treated, by a single application, with a microorganism-based formulations (MBF), an inoculum (In) of Trichoderma spp. and Streptomyces spp., or Sequestrene (Sq). Strawberry plants were sampled and analyzed at 5, 10, 15, and 20 days from the treatments. The results showed that microorganism-based formulations positively affected the strawberry seedlings, by reducing the chlorosis symptoms, producing comparable effects to the Sequestrene treatment.

Chili, one of the most cultivated plants in the world, from the genus Capsicum sp., has great importance both in human nutrition and in the pharmaceutical industry. This study provides detailed information on the impact of chili crop fertilization on the production and accumulation of capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin. During the vegetation period, 235 kg∙ha−1 NPK (chemical—Ch), 270 kg∙ha−1 NPK (organic—O) and 250 kg∙ha−1 NPK (mixed—Ch + O) fertilizers were applied on six varieties of chili pepper (De Cayenne, Traian 2, Turkish, Sigaretta di Bergamo, Jovial and Chorbadjiiski), all versions were compared with the control (Ct). The determination of capsaicinoid compounds from chili pepper samples was done using high-performance liquid chromatography, HPLC-UV/VIS. The chili pepper plants reacted differently according to the fertilizers used, both in terms of the production and accumulation of capsaicinoids. The highest production was obtained for the case of mixed treatments in all cultivars, with the highest production being found for Sigaretta di Bergamo (40.61 t∙ha−1). The capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin content was influenced by both the type of fertilizer used and the variety of chili pepper. The accumulation of capsaicinoids in the chili fruits was found to be dependent on cultivar and fertilization management, higher amounts of capsaicinoids were found to accumulate in the fruits of the Chorbadjiiski variety treated with chemicals (0.83 mg∙g−1 capsaicin and 0.53 mg∙g−1 dihydrocapsaicin) compared with the amounts found for untreated De Cayenne (0.52 mg∙g−1 capsaicin and 0.33 mg∙g−1 dihydrocapsaicin).

Fertigation is considered an efficient alternative to the enhanced use of chemical fertilizers. Since most of the fertigation systems rely on a theoretical electrical conductivity value of the nutrient solution, we tried to evaluate if this is the real need of the plants as well as if all the nutrients are needed at once. Therefore, we analyzed the electrical signals of the nutrients applied individually or in different mixes, correlating the electrical signals with the leaf gas exchange processes, studying the relation between the electrical signals and different plant phenological stages and the influence of the treatments on the lycopene content, nutritional composition, and antinutritional factors as well as the mineral bioavailability of tomato fruits cv. Brillante F1. The study was carried out in a greenhouse under controlled conditions. Ten different treatments consisting of MaEs (major elements) (V1&mdash, MgSO4, V2&mdash, KNO3, V3&mdash, K2SO4, V4&mdash, Ca(NO3)2, V5&mdash, KH2PO4, V6&mdash, KCl, V7&mdash, MgSO4 + KNO3 + KH2PO4, V8&mdash, K2SO4 + Ca(NO3)2 + KCl, V9&mdash, the mix of V1 to V6, commonly used in agricultural practices, V10&mdash, one nutrient each day) were applied daily when plants were 42 days old. The results showed that the values of the electrical signals varied depending on the treatment and the plant phenological stage. Five different trends of the electrical signals were identified. In addition, the shape of the signals varied during the day in accordance with the photosynthesis and the amount of CO2 registered. The results of the treatments&rsquo, influence on the nutritional composition and lycopene content of tomato fruits suggested that plants do not need all the nutrients at once, the highest values are registered for K2SO4 fertilization. However, this fertilizer also had the highest registered tannin, saponin, and trypsin inhibitors content, constituting a disadvantage considering the high nutritional values and lycopene content. Regarding the bioavailability of zinc, calcium, and iron for the human diet, regardless of the treatment applied, phytic acid did not affect the availability of zinc and calcium, but it had a negative impact on iron availability, also, the amount of oxalate could impair the bioavailability of calcium. The study suggests that tomato plants do not need all nutrients at once for quality fruits. However, further studies are needed in order to develop a fertigation scheme based on a smart nutrient use that provides an improved nutritional composition and mineral bioavailability. In addition, it is necessary to evaluate the influence of treatments on yield.

Plasma activated water (PAW) can represent an alternative to chemical fertilizers in agriculture. The effects of PAW treatment applied in two concentrations (1.5 or 3.0 mg L−1 NO3−) on some morphological, physiological, biochemical parameters and yield of Lactuca sativa L. grown in two different pot volumes (400 or 3200 cm3) were investigated in this study. The results showed that both PAW concentrations did not influence the germination, once the process was initiated. Positive effects of the treatments were registered on the length of radicle and hypocotyls of lettuce at a concentration of 1.5 mg L−1 NO3− (PAW I), the chlorophyll content was significantly increased at a concentration of 3.0 mg L−1 NO3− (PAW II) and bigger pot volume, also the foliar weight and area. No significant differences between the treated and untreated plants were recorded for the root weight, leaf length and width. The dry weight was significantly higher for the lettuce treated with PAW I and II grown in big volume pots at 57 days after transplanting (DAT) and small volume pots at 64 DAT. The nitrites content of the lettuce grown in big pots was lower than of the lettuce grown in small pots, regardless of the PAW treatment. Contrary, the nitrates content was higher in the lettuce grown in big pots (up to 36.4 mg KNO3/g DW), compared to small pots (under 0.3 mg KNO3/g DW).

In recent years, rhubarb is being increasingly cultivated, as it provides early yields when the vegetables supply to market is deficient and shows high levels of both polyphenols content and antioxidant capacity in edible parts. In 2017, we investigated crops of the rhubarb cultivar Victoria to the fifth year of production. Comparisons were performed between three root phase fertilizations&mdash, chemical (NPK 16-16-16&reg, ), organic (Orgevit&reg, ), and biological (Micoseeds MB&reg, )&mdash, plus an unfertilized control. The determinations of polyphenols, the antioxidant capacity, and the yield indicators from the stalks (petioles) of rhubarb were made at each out of the 10 harvests carried out. The highest yield (59.16 t&middot, ha&minus, 1) was recorded under the chemical fertilization. The total polyphenols content and antioxidant capacity varied widely from 533.86 mg GAE&middot, g&minus, 1 d.w. and 136.86 mmol Trolox&middot, 1 d.w., respectively in the unfertilized control at the last harvest, up to 3966.56 mg GAE&middot, 1 d.w. and 1953.97 mmol Trolox&middot, 1 d.w. respectively under the organic fertilization at the four harvest. From the results of our investigation, it can be inferred that the chemical fertilization was the most effective in terms of yield, whereas the sustainable nutritional management based on organic fertilizer supply led to higher antioxidant compounds and activity.

Medicinal and aromatic crops are economically important because they are sources for secondary metabolites such as essential oils (EOs) and polyphenolic compounds. High biomass yields are obtained by conventional chemical fertilizers, whereas the production of EOs is more influenced by elicitors that act on secondary metabolic pathways. The objective of the field trials was to evaluate the effects of biologic and conventional fertilizers (biosolids: 40 and 20 t ha−1, organic: 600 kg ha−1, microorganisms (arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, AMF): 60 kg ha−1, chemical NPK 20-20-20: 300 kg ha−1) on plant growth, EO chemical profile and yield, and physiology of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.). The two sweet basil cultivars (varieties) used were the green-leafed ‘Aromat de Buzau’ and the purple-leafed ‘Violet de Buzau’. The greatest increases in fresh yields compared with unfertilized plants, 116% and 68% increases for the ‘Aromat de Buzau’ and ‘Violet de Buzau, respectively, were obtained from the conventionally (chemical) fertilized plants. The 40 t ha−1 biosolids treatment increased the EO content of the ‘Aromat de Buzau’ by 30%, while the AMF and organic treatments increased the EO content of the ‘Violet de Buzau’ by 21%. The major constituents of ‘Aromat de Buzau’, methyl chavicol and β-linalool, were increased by 4 and 17% with the AMF and organic treatments, respectively. Eucalyptol and δ-guaiene concentrations in the EO were higher in the 40 t ha−1 biosolids treatment, while τ-cadinol and γ-cadinene were higher in the 20 t ha−1 biosolids treatment. For ‘Violet de Buzau’, the AMF treatment led to an increase of β-linalool, limonene, and (+)-camphor, and decreased the concentration of methyl chavicol. The organic treatment increased the concentrations of limonene, (+)-camphor, terpinene-4-ol, and β-caryophyllene, and decreased the concentration of methyl chavicol. The highest concentration of methyl chavicol was observed in the chemical fertilizer treatment. The 20 and 40 t ha−1 biosolids treatments led to highest yields of eucalyptol, (+)-camphor, terpinene-4-ol, β-caryophyllene, germacrene D, and τ-cadinol. The results demonstrated that conventional fertilizers can increase fresh yield while biological fertilizers positively alter the EO composition, leading to increased crop quality.

Runner beans are an important source of carbohydrates, fibers, vitamins and minerals that play an important part in the cardiovascular and gastrointestinal tract physiology. The aim of the study was the identification of crop specificities of four varieties of Phaseolus coccineus L. homologated in the Great Britain: Lady Di, Desiree, Polestar and White Apollo, which are less cultivated in Romania, although during the study they proved a remarkable crop production. Another objective of the study was the determination of some chemical composition parameters of the pods harvested from protected areas, in order to highlight the particularities that could determine the expansion of their cultivation in our country.

Sprouts are very rich in antioxidants (e.g. phenolic compounds) and their consumption is beneficial for humans’ health. The sprouts’ antioxidant properties are correlated to conditions of growth and maturity stage. The present study reveals the influence of maturity stage (5-, 7- and 9-day-old) and two sodium salts, NaCl and Na2SO4 (10 mM and 100 mM) on the antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content of cauliflower and broccoli sprouts. The analysed sprouts’ extracts were obtained in two phases, using ethanol 70% with 0.01% hydrochloric acid. In the case of cauliflower, the 7 days germination leads to the highest total phenolic content and radical scavenging capacity. Broccoli sprouts revealed the most enhanced DPPH radical scavenging capacity and total phenolic content at 5-day-old. The two sodium salts, generally, had positive effects on global antioxidant status. It is highlighted both for broccoli and cauliflower, the stimulating effect of 100 mM Na2SO4 on the total phenolic content and soluble dry weight, but the DPPH radical scavenging activity was more important in the case of NaCl, than Na2SO4 treatments, except for cauliflower sprouts treated with 100 mM Na2SO4. In conclusion, germination under adequate salt stress is a protocol to be considered in order to improve antioxidant properties of broccoli and cauliflower sprouts, despite the non-convenient effects on the germination and sprouts growth. Further researches are needed to optimize the level and time periods of such treatments.

Nutrient consumption by plants depends on the growth stage and environmental conditions. In general, plants take up species of elements at different speeds. We monitored and recorded the electrical charge flow through xylem sap of tomato plants (Brillante F1) using femto/picoammeter equipment (Keysight B2981A). This technique evaluates the nutrient uptake of tomato treated with the most common macronutrients (KNO3, KH2PO4, Ca(NO3)2, KCl) by monitoring the electrical conductivity for 24 h. The electrical conductivity of each treatment correlated with the plant growth and development stages. The results showed that the tomato plants had a high consumption of nutrients in the vegetative stage, while in other stages, they had a specific consumption, like phosphorus for bulb formation, potassium for increasing the number of flowers and water for the ripening of fruits. The quantitative evaluation of the ions absorbed by the plant was based on the magnitude and shape of the electrical conductivity curves. Our technique is an efficient method to determine nutrient consumption and is useful in predicting the deficiency of a certain element in tomato plants.

The tomato industry has been searching for new genotypes with improved fruit production, both in the field and industrially processed, together with high-quality performance under sustainable management conditions. This research was carried out in Southern Italy with the aim of assessing the effects of industrial processing on the yield and quality of four tomato hybrids grown according to organic farming methods and addressed at dicing. MAX 14111 and HMX 4228 showed the highest values of field and processing yield as well as reduced sugars and fructose. MAX 14111 had the highest values of total solids and soluble solids, titratable acidity, fiber, energetic value, polyphenols, and also rutin, though not significantly different from Impact. HMX 4228 performed best in terms of sugar ratio, color and naringenin. Concerning the diced products, the sensorial qualities of the four hybrids differed significantly. Total polyphenols, naringenin and rutin in the tomato fruits were higher in the processed than in the raw product. The appreciable fruit yield and quality resulting from both field and processing phase represent a promising perspective for identifying improved tomato genotypes addressed at dicing.

The development of organic farming as a result of increasing consumer preference for organic food has led to the development and registration of new pest-control products for certified organic production. In this study, the effects of three biocontrol products containing spores and mycelium of Arthrobotrys oligospora—Artis®, Beauveria bassiana—Bora®, and Coniothyrium minitans—Öko-ni® were tested on four basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) cultivars: ‘Aromat de Buzau’, ‘Serafim’, ‘Macedon’ and ‘Cuisoare’. The application of Öko-ni® increased basil yields by 8% relative to Control. The application of Bora® increased chlorophyll content of basil leaves by 2% and the activity of photosynthesis by 66% relative to the Control. Basil essential oil (EO) content was increased by 18% with the application of Artis® and by 34% with the application of Bora® and Öko-ni®, respectively. The content of phenolic compounds analyzed by HPLC varied, caffeic acid concentration was higher in the plants treated with Öko-ni®, hyperoside, isoquercitrin and rutin concentrations were higher in those treated with Artis®, while the quercitrin content was higher in Bora®-treated plants. The two main EO constituents that were identified were linalool and methyl chavicol in ‘Aromat de Buzau’, linalool and eugenol in ‘Serafim’, neral and geranial in ‘Macedon’, also linalool and eugenol in ‘Cuisoare’. The investigated myco-biocontrol products had positive effects on basil fresh biomass and EO content and also influenced the content of phenolic compounds.

Unconventional fertilizers can act as elicitors to encourage the synthesis of phyto-pharmaceuticals in aromatic plants. In the present research, the effects of factorial combination between two red basil cultivars, &lsquo, Opal&rsquo, and &lsquo, De Buzau&rsquo, and four fertilization types, biosolids, organic, microorganisms and chemical, plus an unfertilized control, were assessed on fresh and dry yield, biometrical parameters, soil plant analysis development (SPAD) and antioxidant compounds and activity. Chemical fertilization increased fresh yield compared with the control, with no difference in organic and microorganism fertilization regarding dry weight. &lsquo, enhanced the number of lateral stems and plant height, the latter being better affected by chemical and microorganisms compared to the control. Chemical fertilization showed the highest leaf dry matter, nitrate content and SPAD, whereas the control showed the lowest. Compared to the unfertilized control, biosolids increased total phenolics in &lsquo, microorganisms, organic and biosolids enhanced total flavonoids in &lsquo, with the same effect under microorganisms and organic treatments in &lsquo, Total anthocyanins showed the highest content in &lsquo, under organic fertilization. The highest antioxidant activity in the basil extracts was detected under microorganisms and organic applications in &lsquo, The present investigation results demonstrate that unconventional fertilizers increase the synthesis of antioxidants and represent a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilization for growing red basil.

Non-thermal plasma technologies have an important role in a lot of biological applications. The water in contact with non-thermal plasma leads to the formation of plasma activated water, which has a notable effect on the living organism plants and micro-organisms (bio-disinfection). This study is focused on the study of the effect of plasma activated water on the plants germination and growing process.

The practice of organic agriculture represents an essential requirement for conserving natural resources and for providing the food necessary for a growing population, on a sustainable basis. Tomatoes are considered to be one of the most important crops worldwide. In this context, the organic production of tomatoes should be taken into more consideration. The use of microorganisms-based commercial products is an alternative to chemical fertilizers. Anyway, the results of their use are still variable because of various factors. The aim of this study was to test the effect of inoculation with AMF, PGPR and fungi-based products (Rizotech plus&reg, ) on the morphological (length of the plants), biochemical (lycopen, polyphenols, antioxidant activity), and number of fruits and yields of four tomato cultivars (Siriana F1, HTP F1, Minaret F1, Inima de Bou) in two different water regimes used for irrigation (200 m3 or 300 m3 of water/hectare) under a protected area. The results showed that the efficiency of Rizotech plus&reg, application is dependent on the cultivar and the amount of water used. Also, it was clearly demonstrated that the microorganism inoculation significantly increased the yield of Minaret F1, Siriana F1 and HTP F1 cultivars as compared to the uninoculated plants, regardless of the water amount used in the experiment. Moreover, it was observed that for the irrigation of all four cultivars, inoculated with Rizotech plus&reg, a lower amount of water (200 m3&middot, ha&minus, 1) can be used to get the same length of plants, number of fruits and yield as in the case of a higher amount of water (300 m3&middot, 1). In the case of lycopene, polyphenols and antioxidant activity, the results varied with the cultivar and the water amount used. This study gives new information about the functionality and performance of the microorganisms from Rizotech plus&reg, product when applied to different tomato cultivars grown in a tunnel, in the condition of two different water regimes, contributing to a better characterization of it and maybe to a more efficient use in agriculture to achieve optimum results.

The current project deals with an issue of actuality and scientific/technical necessity and aims to assess the factors contributing to the vulnerability of ecological systems and therefore endangering/compromising food safety. The goals of this ongoing study are to address the main risk factors on ecological system with particular regards to fresh growing vegetables and to establish technical monitoring system(s) with a view to increase food safety. Herein, the authors present the research results obtained in 2011 in SIECOLEG Project regarding the assessment of some heavy metals (mainly lead, cadmium, cooper, and manganese) of 80 samples soils and 25 samples vegetables from some ecological system. The concentrations of heavy metals were measured by Atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS Schimadzu 6300) - with graphite furnace atomizer and autosampler. In soil: lead and cadmium concentrations ranged from 4.51 to 6.58 mg/kg and from 0.14 to 0.4 mg/kg, respectively. Cooper and manganese concentrations ranged from 20.73 to 6.58 mg/kg and from 218.1 to 298.3 mg/kg, respectively. In vegetables (tomatoes, cucumber, peppers, eggplant, cabbage): lead concentrations ranged from 0.0 (tomatoes) to 4.35 mg/kg (cabbage); cooper concentrations ranged from 0.2 mg/kg (cucumber) to 0.80 mg/kg (eggplant); manganese concentrations ranged from 0.0 mg/kg (tomatoes) to 0.60 mg/kg (eggplant). Cadmium was not detected in any of analysed vegetable samples. Under these circumstances, the project intends to demonstrate the extent of this vulnerability and to elaborate measures for controlling and diminishing the effects of the involved factors in order to increase food safety and security for ecological fresh vegetables

Non-thermal plasma is an innovative, eco-friendly technology, being considered as an emerging technology in many research fields. This work presents an analysis of the influence of different parameters on the energy efficiency of a T shaped non-thermal plasma reactor for plasma activated water generation. The tests were performed on four distinct designs (T1, T2, T3, T4) of this type of reactor for which the following input parameters were varied: frequency (60, 150 and 250 Hz), water flows (5, 10, 15 and 20 mL/min) and gas flows (1 and 2 L/min Ar). It has been shown that the configurations T3 and T4, whose discharge is generated between the gas inlet and outlet electrode, are less efficient compared to designs T1 and T2, where the discharge is generated between the water inlet electrode and the outlet electrode. It was also considered the influence of the polarity of the pulse power supply where the reverse polarity (T2 design) records significant values at the gas flow of 1 L/min. The carrier gas was argon, which has been chosen in order to avoid radical quenching reactions by other molecular species, such as nitrates and nitrites, generated in the atmospheric air plasma.