title: The effects of nutrient solution sterilization on the growth and yield of hydroponically grown lettuce.
abstract: Two methods of removing bacteria from hydroponic nutrient solution [ultraviolet (UV) radiation and submicronic filter] were evaluated for efficiency and for their effects on lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) production.  Both methods were effective in removing bacteria; but, at high intensity, the ultraviolet sterilizer significantly inhibited the production of plants grown in the treated solution.  Bacterial removal by lower intensity UV or a submicronic filter seemed to promote plant growth slightly, but showed no consistent, statistically significant effect.
authors.affiliation: Complex Systems Research Center, University of New Hampshire, Durham 03824, USA.
authors.forename: S H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Schwartzkopf
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Dudzinski
authors.forename: R S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Minners
mesh_terms: D001419:Bacteria; D018533:Biomass; D003470:Culture Media / Q000528:radiation effects; D005374:Filtration; D018527:Hydroponics; D007501:Iron; D018545:Lactuca / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000528:radiation effects; D013242:Sterilization / Q000379:methods*; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
chemical_list: D003470:Culture Media; D007501:Iron