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U.S. Department of Energy
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The potential effects of hydrogen sulfide gas from geothermal energy conversion on two plant species native to northern New Mexico

Thesis/Dissertation ·
OSTI ID:5176580

Dry weight of top growth, water content of top growth, leaf nitrogen content, and leaf chlorophyll content were measured in well-watered, field-exposed little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium Nash.) and mountain brome (Bromus marginatus Nees.) plants fumigated with various mean levels of H/sub 2/S ranging from 0.05 to 3.58 ppm. Dry weght of little bluestem plants which received low concentrations of H/sub 2/S increased by 94% of the control. Dry weight of little bluestem plants which received higher concentrations of H/sub 2/S concentration dry weight of little bluestem was reduced by 44% of the control. There was no evidence that the reduction in nitrogen content at low H/sub 2/S levels was detrimental to plant growth. The productivity increase at these low concentrations may have been partially due to increases in leaf chlorophyll content (28%) and decreases in water content (16%). The linear dependence of dry weight on leaf chlorophyll content diminished as H/sub 2/S stress increased. The productivity increase may have partially reflected the usage of sulfur from H/sub 2/S as a nutrient source.

OSTI ID:
5176580
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English