Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
group
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Hannah Lyons, Senior Astrid Senko, Senior Matthew Zito, Senior Ryan Paulson, Senior Ryan Rednick, Junior Rubi Vera, Freshman Meliah Martin, Freshman Parisse Goutier, Freshman Annabella Augustine, Freshman
Lead Presenter's Name
Hannah Lyons
Lead Presenter's College
DB College of Arts and Sciences
Faculty Mentor Name
Andrew McGahran
Abstract
The potential for plant growth in Martian soil is a critical consideration for future space exploration and colonization. Martian regolith presents numerous challenges for plant development, including low organic content and high oxidative stress. Similarly, airport soil on Earth is often contaminated due to aircraft exhaust and vehicle compaction. This study investigates the effects of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) on the growth of rye (Secale cereale) in both simulated Martian soil (MGS-1), which contains 10.6% ferrous iron (FeO), and soil collected from the Full Throttle Point from Runway 25R at Daytona Beach International Airport (KDAB). Hydrogen peroxide may enhance plant growth through two mechanisms: (1) the photo Fenton/Fenton reaction, in which H₂O₂ interacts with FeO to generate hydroxyl radicals that can oxidize harmful compounds and improve nutrient availability, and (2) H₂O₂ decomposition, which releases oxygen and may enhance soil aeration and root respiration. To assess these effects, four treatment conditions will be applied to each soil type: untreated soil, soil treated with H₂O₂, soil treated with H₂O₂ and 13:13:13 fertilizer, and soil treated with 13:13:13 fertilizer alone. Plant growth metrics will be evaluated, including germination rate, plant height over time, and final biomass. Additionally, pre-treatment soil pH will be measured to determine whether H₂O₂ influences soil acidity. By examining the effects of H₂O₂ as a mechanism for soil remediation, this research contributes to understanding potential remediation strategies for extraterrestrial agriculture, supporting the development of sustainable life-support systems for future Mars missions.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
No
Evaluating Hydrogen Peroxide as a Soil Remediation Strategy for Martian Agriculture
The potential for plant growth in Martian soil is a critical consideration for future space exploration and colonization. Martian regolith presents numerous challenges for plant development, including low organic content and high oxidative stress. Similarly, airport soil on Earth is often contaminated due to aircraft exhaust and vehicle compaction. This study investigates the effects of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) on the growth of rye (Secale cereale) in both simulated Martian soil (MGS-1), which contains 10.6% ferrous iron (FeO), and soil collected from the Full Throttle Point from Runway 25R at Daytona Beach International Airport (KDAB). Hydrogen peroxide may enhance plant growth through two mechanisms: (1) the photo Fenton/Fenton reaction, in which H₂O₂ interacts with FeO to generate hydroxyl radicals that can oxidize harmful compounds and improve nutrient availability, and (2) H₂O₂ decomposition, which releases oxygen and may enhance soil aeration and root respiration. To assess these effects, four treatment conditions will be applied to each soil type: untreated soil, soil treated with H₂O₂, soil treated with H₂O₂ and 13:13:13 fertilizer, and soil treated with 13:13:13 fertilizer alone. Plant growth metrics will be evaluated, including germination rate, plant height over time, and final biomass. Additionally, pre-treatment soil pH will be measured to determine whether H₂O₂ influences soil acidity. By examining the effects of H₂O₂ as a mechanism for soil remediation, this research contributes to understanding potential remediation strategies for extraterrestrial agriculture, supporting the development of sustainable life-support systems for future Mars missions.