Study of the Physiological Characteristics of Microcoleus vaginatus Combined with a Polymer Sand-Fixing Material Based on Attapulgite in the Laboratory

Comprehensive sand-fixation technology has potential application prospects for desertification control and restoration. The feasibility of combining biological and chemical sand-fixation technology was explored by studying the growth state and physiological characteristics of Microcoleus vaginatus. Dried Microcoleus vaginatus and a polymer sand-fixation material based on attapulgite modified by 4 M H2SO4 were combined as solids. The ratios of dried Microcoleus vaginatus to the polymer sand-fixation material by mass were 1:1, 1:2, 1:3 and 1:4. The amounts sprayed on the sand surface were 2 mg DW.cm(-2), 3 mg DW.cm(-2), 4 mg DW.cm(-2) and 5 mg DW.cm(-2). The results for chlorophyll a content, malondialdehyde content, soluble protein content and soluble sugar content showed that, under certain temperature and light conditions, the optimum environmental factors for the growth of Microcoleus vaginatus were a 1:3 ratio of dried Microcoleus vaginatus to the polymer sand-fixation material and a spraying rate of 3 mg DW.cm(-2). The results could provide a theoretical basis for a new sand fixation technology; the method presented here serves as another approach for combating desertification in arid and semiarid areas.