Flow-through oxygenator
An oxygen emitter which is an electrolytic cell is disclosed. When the anode and cathode are separated by a critical distance, very small microbubbles and nanobubbles of oxygen are generated. The very small oxygen bubbles remain in suspension, forming a solution supersaturated in oxygen. A flow-through model for oxygenating flowing water is disclosed. The use of supersaturated water for enhancing the growth of plants is disclosed. Methods for applying supersaturated water to plants manually, by drip irrigation or in hydroponic culture are described. The treatment of waste water by raising the dissolved oxygen with the use of an oxygen emitter is disclosed.
1 . A method for growing plants comprising the application of water that is supersaturated with oxygen.
2 . The method of claim 1 wherein the water supersaturated with oxygen has an oxygen content of at least 120% of the oxygen saturation calculated for a temperature and pressure.
3 . The method of claim 1 wherein the plants are grown hydroponically.
4 . The method of claim 1 wherein the plants are grown in containers.
5 . The method of claim 1 wherein the plants are grown in fields.
6 . The method of claim 5 wherein the plants are irrigated by drip irrigation.
7 . The method of claim 5 wherein the plants sprayed with supersaturated water.
8 . A method for enhancing growth and yield of plants comprising the administration of supersaturated water on said plants.
9 . The method of claim 8 wherein the water supersaturated with oxygen has an oxygen content of at least 120% of the saturation calculated for a temperature and pressure.
10 . The method of claim 8 wherein the supersaturated water is delivered to the plants in hydroponic culture or through irrigation.
11 . A method of growing plants, comprising: (a) the production of supersaturated water; and (b) the application of supersaturated water to plants.
12 . The method of claim 10 wherein supersaturated water is produced electrolytically or by sparging oxygen through a microorifice.
13 . The method of claim 11 wherein the plants are grown hydroponically.
14 . The method of claim 11 wherein the plants are grown in containers.
15 . The method of claim 11 wherein the plants are grown in fields.
16 . The method of claim 15 wherein the plants are irrigated by drip irrigation.
17 . The method of claim 15 wherein the plants sprayed with supersaturated water.