Enhancing the Antioxidant Enzyme Activities and Soil Microbial Biomass of tomato plants against the stress of Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate by the application of bamboo biochar

Abstract

Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) is also known as sodium lauryl sulfate; it is an organic compound and anionic surfactant used in most sectors. SOD is a detergent that is used primarily extensively in soap manufacturing industry. It is also used in personal care products in concentrations of 0.1-1%, and in laboratory applications, its concentrations increased up to 2-10%. However, the widespread use of SDS has raised environmental concerns and has become a hazard to soil microbial communities, crucial to soil health and fertility. To decrease these effects, a bamboo biochar application was used for a pot experiment.  Bamboo is a rapidly growing plant that can supply a steady stream of feedstock for biochar production. Applying bamboo biochar increased the Soil microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and nitrogen (MBN), chlorophyll content, and antioxidant enzymatic activity. It has a high porosity level and, therefore, stores essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in soil (NPK), which can reduce the bioavailability of SDS. At the same, this application also reduced the oxidative stress of reactive oxygen species. The result of the present study offers a sustainable solution for decreasing the effects of SDS on tomato plants and assessing the role of bamboo biochar in mitigating stress due to SDS induction.