Degradation of organic pollutants in water by non-thermal plasma (Monica Magureanu)

The presence of organic contaminants in water raises concern due to the negative impact on the environment, as well as to potential human exposure. Alternatives to conventional water treatment techniques (i.e. advanced oxidation processes) are widely investigated. Research on the degradation of water pollutants by non-thermal plasma has also been very active lately.

The presence of organic contaminants in water raises concern due to the negative impact on the environment, as well as to potential human exposure. Alternatives to conventional water treatment techniques (i.e. advanced oxidation processes) are widely investigated. Research on the degradation of water pollutants by non-thermal plasma has also been very active lately.

Examples from two classes of organic contaminants will be addressed here : pharmaceuticals and pesticides. The most frequently used plasma sources will be presented, as well as more elaborate designs, which combine plasma with other removal methods in the attempt to enhance efficiency. The results will be discussed with regard to the removal rate, mineralization, energy yield, degradation intermediates and reaction pathways.