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Updated: Jun 10, 2026
06:35
Implementation of a Hyperbolic Vortex Plasma Reactor for the Removal of Micropollutants in Water
Published on: July 25, 2025
An advanced oxidation process using ionized gas for wastewater treatment
Eun Ju Lee1, Paul Gene Chung, Dong Heui Kwak
1Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Kongju National University, 182, Shinkwan-dong, Kongju, Chungnam 314-701, Korea. lejcmk@kongju.ac.kr
Summary
Plasma-generated ionized gas effectively degrades non-biodegradable organic matter in wastewater. This advanced oxidation process offers a promising, eco-friendly alternative for water treatment plants.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) like ozone, ozone/UV, and ozone/H2O2 are used for wastewater treatment.
- Non-degradable organic materials pose a significant challenge in conventional wastewater treatment.
- Plasma-based ionized gas technology is emerging as a novel treatment method.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of ionized gas generated from plasma for degrading non-degradable organic matter in wastewater.
- To evaluate the characteristics of ionized gas as a sustainable wastewater treatment solution.
- To compare the performance of ionized gas with existing advanced oxidation methods.
Main Methods:
- Wastewater treatment experiments utilizing ionized gas produced from plasma.
- Analysis of reactive species present in the ionized gas (O2+, O2- cluster, O radical, OH radical).
- Assessment of changes in organic matter characteristics, including hydrophilicity and aromatic functional groups.
Main Results:
- Ionized gas demonstrated significant degradation of non-biodegradable organic matters.
- Organic matter transformation into hydrophilic compounds was observed.
- A notable decrease in compounds containing aromatic functional groups indicated effective degradation.
- The process exhibited characteristics such as simple structure, non-calorification, non-toxicity, and low electricity consumption.
Conclusions:
- Ionized gas generated from plasma is an effective method for degrading non-biodegradable organic pollutants in wastewater.
- This technology presents a viable and potentially more sustainable alternative to traditional advanced oxidation processes.
- The findings support the consideration of ionized gas as an innovative unit process in water and wastewater treatment facilities.
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