International Journal of Advanced Engineering Research

and Science (IJAERS)

Peer-Reviewed Journal
ISSN: 2349-6495(P) | 2456-1908(O)
Vol-11, Issue-9; Sep, 2024
Journal Home Page Available: https://ijaers.com/
Article DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.22161/ijaers.119.1

Comparative analysis of Chlorophyll concentration in

different species of leafy vegetables cultivated in soil and
hydroponic system
Ghritlahre R, Prabhas* L., Megha A.
1M.Sc. Bioscience, PRSU, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India
2*Assistant Professor in Bioscience, PRSU, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India
3Assistant Professor, Dept. of Botany, Gurukul Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Kalibadi Raipur

e-mail: [email protected]

Received: 25 Jul 2024, Abstract— Leafy vegetables are an important vegetable crop that grows
Receive in revised form: 26 Aug 2024, easily under controlled conditions, such as in hydroponic. A plant's leaf
colours can be used to indicate stress levels due to its adaptability to
Accepted: 04 Sep 2024,
environmental changes. In this study, the samples were cultivated in the
Available online: 10 Sep 2024 backyard of the Life Science department in Pandit Ravishankar Shukla
©2024 The Author(s). Published by AI University, Raipur, Chhattisgarh during January to April 2024. In this
Publication. This is an open-access article under study, fresh mature leaves of soil-cultivated plants and hydroponically
the CC BY license cultivated plants were taken for chlorophyll estimation. The sample was
(https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). tested using an acetone solution (80%) and the information from the
spectrum was calculated using the Arnon’s method. The levels of Chl. a
Keywords— Leafy vegetables, hydroponics,
and Chl. b in soil-grown and hydroponically grown plants have been
chlorophyll, soil, system, amount.
found to differ. Hydroponic cultivated plants show a high amount of total
chlorophyll content as compared to soil-based plants and the reason
behind the high level of chlorophyll content ina hydroponic system is
controlled environmental conditions that mean precise control over
light, temperature, and nutrient availability and are highly specific from
species to species whereas, in a soil-based system, it is difficult to
maintain such condition.

I. INTRODUCTION important in the human diet. It serves as both a nutritious

The chlorophyll contents in leafy vegetables have a food ingredient and a natural food colorant (Xue, L., &
considerable influence on their growth, as is commonly Yang, L. 2009).
recognized. Chlorophyll concentration can be used to Chl. a and Chl. b are accessory pigments, and various
assess plant productivity and photosynthetic potential. The other types of chlorophyll are present in leafy vegetables.
rate of photosynthesis in the plant is determined by the The empirical formulas for Chl. a and Chl. b are
photosynthetic capacity per unit area of the leaf C55H72O5N4Mg and C55H70O6N4Mg, respectively.
(Kozlowski et al. 1991), which is also shown by the Typically, Chl. a appears blue-green, while Chl.b appears
chlorophyll concentration (Dickman & Kozlowski 1968). yellow-green (Witham & Devlin 1997). The
When it comes to leafy vegetables, color is an important developmental stage of the photosynthetic system in plants
component that influences consumer preferences and is also indicated by the chlorophyll a and b ratio. It plays a
product quality assessment. Chlorophyll, the most crucial part in the formation and growth of leafy
common pigment in green plants, has become increasingly vegetables. The amount of chlorophyll in leaf tissue is

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Hutahaean International Journal of Advanced Engineering Research and Science, 11(9)-2024

influenced by nutrient availability and stresses such as foenum-graecum L. (Methi bhaji) were selected for the
drought, salinity, cold, heat, etc. However, nutrient present study. The samples were cultivated in the backyard
availability and various stresses such as drought, salinity, of the Life Science department in Pandit Ravishankar
cold, heat, etc. are factors that might also be responsible Shukla University, Raipur, Chhattisgarh (India) during
for color variation in eight different species of leafy January to April the year 2023-2024. In this experiment,
vegetables. The present study was undertaken for a fresh mature leaves of soil-cultivated plants and
comparative analysis of chlorophyll concentration in soil- hydroponically cultivated plants were taken for
cultivated plants and hydroponic-cultivated plants in eight chlorophyll estimation. One gram leaf from each species is
different species. Raphanus sativus L. (Mooli bhaji), measured and grounded using a mortar and pestle after
Chorchorus olitorius L. (Chech bhaji), Lathyrus sativus L. being chopped into small bits. After that, 0.5 g of (MgCo3)
(Lakhdi bhaji), Carthamus tinctorius L. (Kusum bhaji), powder and 20 ml of 80% acetone were added, and the
Amaranthus tricolor L. (Lal bhaji), Mentha piperital L. mixture was carefully ground using the technique of
(Peppermint), Ipomea aquatica F. (Karmata bhaji), and (Kamble et al. 2015). After that, the mixture was incubated
Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (Methi bhaji). for three hours at 4ºC. The mixture was centrifuged at
Literature reviewed and popularity of hydroponics is 2500 rpm for 5 min and the supernatant was transferred to
increasing day by day. Hydroponics uses dissolved a 100 ml volumetric flask the volume was made up to
nutrients in water, allowing plants to grow food closer to 100ml with the addition of 80% acetone and the solution
consumers. It produces superior quality, is not seasonal, was used for chlorophyll estimation (Fig.1). The
and is environmentally friendly. Hydroponic systems, absorbance of solutions was measured at 645 nm and 663
including nutrient film techniques, wick systems, and nm in SYSTRONICS Spectrophotometer 106 taking the
aeroponic systems, ensure plant production success. 80% acetone solution as blank (Sadasivam & Manickam
Hydroponic farming uses water, nutrients, and pest control 1996).The reading was taken in a triplicate sample and the
to grow crops like lettuce, vegetables, herbs, and flowers. average was considered for the calculation of chlorophyll
It saves 70-90% water, yields three times more, and uses content. The chlorophyll a, b, and a + b (total chlorophyll)
60% less fertilizer than traditional methods. Proper control contents were calculated by applying the following (Arnon
is essential for environmental benefits. 1949) formulae:-
12.7 (A663)−2.69 (A645)×V
Chlorophyll a ( mg /g tissue) =
1000×W
II. MATERIAL AND METHODS 22.9 (A645)−4.68 (A663)×V
Chlorophyll b (mg g-1 tissue) =
1000×W
Eight different species of leafy vegetables namely
20.2 (A645)−8.02 (A663)×V
Raphanus sativus L. (Mooli bhaji), Chorchorus olitorius L. Total chlorophyll (mg g-1 tissue) =
1000×W
(Chech bhaji), Lathyrus sativus L. (Lakhdi bhaji),
Where, A = absorbance at a specific wavelength
Carthamus tinctorius L. (Kusum Bhaji), Amaranthus
tricolor L. (Lal bhaji),Mentha piperital L. (Peppermint), V = final volume of chlorophyll extract in 80% acetone
Ipomea aquatica F. (Karmata bhaji), and Trigonella W = fresh weight of tissue extracted

III. RESULT AND DISSCUSION

Table 1. Chlorophyll concentration in eight different leafy vegetable species in soil.
S. O.D. Reading Soil Cultivated Plants
No. Chl.a Chl.b Total Chl
Name of leafy vegetables (mg g-1) (mg g-1) (mg g-1)
645 nm 663 nm

1 Raphanus Sativus L. 0.443 ± 0.001 0.202 ± 0.001 0.137 0.919 1.056

2 Chorchorus trilocularis L. 0.431 ± 0.0005 0.117 ± 0.003 0.0326 0.932 0.964
3 Lathyrus sativus L. 0.212 ± 0.0005 0.134 ± 0.0015 0.113 0.422 0.535
4 Carthamus tinctorius L. 0.379 ± 0.0015 0.106 ± 0.0015 0.0326 0.818 0.850
5 Amaranthus tricolor L. 0.256 ± 0.001 0.172 ± 0.0011 0.149 0.505 0.655
6 Mentha arvensis 0.418 ± 0.0005 0.109 ± 0.0005 0.0259 0.906 0.931
7 Ipomea aquatica F. 0.053 ± 0.0025 0.024 ± 0.001 0.0162 0.110 0.126
8 Trigonellafoenum- graecum L. 0.559 ± 0.001 0.140 ± 0.01 0.0274 1.21 1.241

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Hutahaean International Journal of Advanced Engineering Research and Science, 11(9)-2024

Table 2. Chlorophyll concentration in eight different leafy vegetable species in hydroponics.

S. O.D. Reading Hydroponic Cultivated Plants
No. Chl.a Chl.b Total Chl
645 nm 663 nm
-1 -1
Name of leafy vegetables (mg g ) (mg g ) (mg g-1)
1 Raphanus Sativus L. 0.558 ± 0.002 0.138 ± 0.003 0.0251 1.213 1.237
2 Chorchorus trilocularis L. 0.773 ± 0.002 0.206 ± 0.002 0.0536 1.673 1.726
3 Lathyrus sativus L. 0.297 ± 0.012 0.139 ± 0.008 0.096 0.615 0.711
4 Carthamus tinctorius L. 1.205 ± 0.002 0.284 ± 0.005 0.0365 2.626 2.661
5 Amaranthus tricolor L. 0.613 ± 0.002 0.139 ± 0.001 0.0116 1.338 1.349
6 Mentha arvensis 0.689 ± 0.001 0.151 ± 0.002 0.006 1.507 1.512
7 Ipomea aquatica F. 0.517 ± 0.002 0.120 ± 0.005 0.0133 1.127 1.140
8 Trigonellafoenum-graecum L. 0.617 ± 0.003 0.195 ± 0.001 0.0816 1.321 1.402

The study revealed that the chlorophyll Chl.(a + b) in soil- hydroponic system, it is 1.213 mg g-1, which is 0.294 mg
cultivated plants ranges from 0.0162 to 0.149 mg g -1 and in g-1, higher than the soil-base system.
hydroponic-cultivated plants ranges from 0.006 to 0.096 Chorchorus olitoriusL, The total chlorophyll content in
mg g-1, and Chl. b in soil-cultivated plants ranges from the soil-based system is 0.964 mg g-1, whereas in a
0.110 to 1.21 mg g-1 and in hydroponic-cultivated plants hydroponic system, it is 1.726 mg g-1, which is 0.762 mg
ranges from 0.615 to 2.626 mg g -1. The total chlorophyll g-1, higher than the soil-base system. The Chl. a content in
Chl. (a + b) in soil-cultivated plants ranges from 0.126 to the soil-based system is 0.0326 mg g-1, whereas in the
1.241 mg g-1 and in hydroponic-cultivated plants ranges hydroponic system it is 0.0536 mg g-1, which is 0.021 mg
from 0.711 to 2.661 mg g-1 in eight leafy vegetable g-1 higher than the soil-based system. The Chl. b content in
species. From the above result, it is also seen that the soil-based system is 0.932 mg g-1, whereas in a
Trigonella foenum-graecum L. has the highest hydroponic system, it is 1.673 mg g-1, which is 0.741 mg
concentration of Chl. a and Chl.b. Ipomea aquatica F. has g-1 higher than the soil-base system.
the lowest concentration of Chl. a and Chl. b among the
Lathyrus sativum L, The total chlorophyll content in the
eight species in soil-cultivated plants, whereas in
soil-based system is 0.535 mg g-1, whereas in a hydroponic
hydroponic-cultivated plants, Carthamus tinctorius L. has
system, it is 0.711 mg g-1, which is 0.176 mg g-1 higher
the highest concentration of Chl. a and Chl. b. Lathyrus
than the soil-base system. The Chl. a content in the soil-
sativus L.has the lowest concentration of Chl. a and Chl. b
based system is 0.13 mg g-1, whereas in the hydroponic
among the eight species. The highest total chlorophyll
system it is only 0.096 mg g-1, which is 0.017 mg g-1 less
content in the soil-cultivated plant is shown by
than the soil-based system. The Chl. b content in the soil-
Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (1.241 mg g-1) whereas in
based system is 0.442 mg g-1, whereas in a hydroponic
hydroponics, Carthamus tinctorius L. (2.661 mg g-1-1)
system, it is 0.615 mg g-1, which is 0.173 mg g-1, higher
shows the highest total chlorophyll content and The lowest
than the soil-base system.
total chlorophyll content in the soil-cultivated plant is
shown by Ipomea aquatica F (0.126 mg g-1) whereas in Carthamus tinctorius L, The total chlorophyll content in
hydroponics, Lathyrus sativus L. (0.711 mg g-1) shows the the soil-based system is 0.850 mg g-1, whereas in a
lowest total chlorophyll content. hydroponic system, it is 2.661 mg g-1, which is 1.811 mg
g-1, higher than the soil-base system. The Chl. a content in
Raphanus sativus L.The total chlorophyll content in the
the soil-based system is 0.0326 mg g-1, whereas in the
soil-based system is 1.056 mg g-1, whereas in a hydroponic
hydroponic system it is only 0.0365 mg g-1, which is
system, it is 1.237 mg g-1, which is 0.181 mg g-1 higher
0.0039 mg g-1 higher than the soil-based system. The Chl.
than the soil-base system. The chlorophyll content in the
b content in the soil-based system is 0.818 mg g-1, whereas
soil-based system is 0.137 mg g-1, whereas in the
in a hydroponic system, it is 2.626 mg g-1, which is 1.808
hydroponic system it is only 0.0251 mg g-1, which is 0.111
mg g-1, higher than the soil-base system.
mg g-1 less than the soil-based system. The Chl. b content
in the soil-based system is 0.919 mg g-1, whereas in the Amaranthus tricolor L, The total chlorophyll content in
the soil-based system is 0.655 mg g-1, whereas in a

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Hutahaean International Journal of Advanced Engineering Research and Science, 11(9)-2024

hydroponic system, it is 1.349 mg g-1, which is 0.694 mg Trigonella foenum-graecum L, The total chlorophyll
g-1 higher than the soil-base system. The Chl. a content in content in the soil-based system is 1.241 mg g-1, whereas
the soil-based system is 0.149 mg g-1, whereas in the in a hydroponic system, it is 1.402 mg g-1, which is 0.161
hydroponic system it is only 0.0116 mg g-1, which is mg g-1 higher than the soil-base system. The Chl. a content
0.1374 mg g-1 less than the soil-based system. The Chl. b in the soil-based system is 0.0274 mg g-1, whereas in the
content in the soil-based system is 0.505 mg g-1, whereas hydroponic system it is only 0.0133 mg g-1, which is
in a hydroponic system, it is 1.338 mg g-1, which is 0.833 0.0141 mg g-1 less than the soil-based system. The Chl. b
mg g-1, higher than the soil-base system. content in the soil-based system is 1.21 mg g-1, whereas in
Mentha piperital L, The total chlorophyll content in the a hydroponic system, it is 1.321 mg g-1, which is 0.111 mg
soil-based system is 0.931 mg g-1, whereas in a hydroponic g-1 higher than the soil-base system.
system, it is 1.512 mg g-1, which is 0.581 mg g-1, higher
than the soil-base system. The Chl. a content in the soil- IV. CONCLUSION
based system is 0.0259 mg g-1, whereas in the hydroponic
The study provides reliable data on chlorophyll content for
system it is only 0.006 mg g-1, which is 0.0199 mg g-1 less
a comparative analysis of soil and hydroponically
than the soil-based system. The Chl. b content in the soil-
cultivated plants in eight different species of leafy
based system is 0.906 mg g-1, whereas in a hydroponic
vegetables. The quantitative analysis of photosynthetic
system, it is 1.507 mg g-1, which is 0.601 mg g-1, higher
pigments showed that hydroponically grown plants of all
than the soil-base system.
eight species exhibit a stable and high total chlorophyll
Ipomea aquatica F, The total chlorophyll content in the content compared to soil-based plants. In terms of chlb,
soil-based system is 0.126 mg g-1, whereas in a hydroponic hydroponically cultivated plants show higher chlb values
system, it is 1.140 mg g-1, which is 1.014 mg g-1, higher than those grown in soil. However, the amount of chla is
than the soil-base system. The Chl. a content in the soil- higher in soil-based plants for certain species such as
based system is 0.0162 mg g-1, whereas in the hydroponic Raphanus sativus L., Lathyrus sativus L., Mentha piperita
system it is only 0.0133 mg g-1, which is 0.0029 mg g-1 L., and Ipomea aquatica F. This difference occurs due to
less than the soil-based system. The Chl. b content in the beneficial adaptations made by the plants. Furthermore,
soil-based system is 0.110 mg g-1, whereas in a hydroponic the chlorophyll content can be used as an indicator of plant
system, it is 1.127 mg g-1, which is 1.017 mg g-1, higher health stress and nutritional deficiencies. These findings
than the soil-base system. may be helpful for further comparative studies in soil and
hydroponic cultivation.

Chl-a in SCP Chl-a in HCP

0.18 0.137 0.149

0.16
0.113
0.14

0.12 0.096
Quantity mg g-1

0.1 0.0816

0.08 0.0536
0.0365
0.0326 0.0326
0.06 0.0259 0.0274
0.0251 0.0162
0.04 0.0133
0.0116 0.006
0.02

-0.02

Name of the plant species

Graph 1. The variation of chlorophyll a content in soil-cultivated plants and hydroponic-cultivated plants

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Hutahaean International Journal of Advanced Engineering Research and Science, 11(9)-2024

Chl-b in SCP Chl-b in HCP

3
2.626
2.5

2 1.673 1.507
1.338 1.321
Quantity mg g-1

1.213 1.127 1.21

1.5
0.919 0.932 0.818 0.906
1 0.615
0.422 0.505
0.5 0.11

-0.5

Name of the plant species

Graph 2. The variation of chlorophyll b content in soil-cultivated plants and hydroponic-cultivated plants

Total Chl in SCP Total Chl in HCP

3.5

3 2.661

2.5
1.726
2 1.512 1.402
1.237 1.349 1.14 1.241
1.5 1.056
Quantity mg g-1

0.964 0.85 0.931

0.711
0.655
1 0.535
0.126
0.5

Name of the plant species

Graph 3. The variation of Total chlorophyll content in soil-cultivated and hydroponic-cultivated plants

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Shri. Arun Jangade and Shri. Bhaiya Lal Sonkar they
I would want to express my sincere appreciation to helped me out by providing the necessary equipment,
Professor Amia Ekka, SoS in Life Science, Pt. RSU, without which I could not have completed this assignment
Raipur. I also want to express my gratitude to all of the as effectively.
other support staff members specially Shri. Suresh sonkar,

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Hutahaean International Journal of Advanced Engineering Research and Science, 11(9)-2024

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