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Exploring non-thermal plasma technology for microalgae removal
Ali Mohammad Tanzooei1, Javad Karimi2, Hamed Taghvaei1
1Department of Chemical Engineering, Shiraz University, Shiraz 71345, Iran.
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety
|October 9, 2024
Summary
Non-thermal plasma technology effectively removes Spirulina microalgae from wastewater. This method achieved 98% removal and 20 g/kWh energy efficiency, offering a promising solution for water reclamation.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Water Treatment Technology
- Plasma Physics
Background:
- Global population growth and economic development increase water demand and pollutant generation.
- Efficient and cost-effective water reclamation is crucial for environmental protection.
- Non-thermal plasma technology (NTP) shows promise for water treatment, but its application in biological removal, especially algae, is underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of non-thermal plasma technology (NTP) for removing Spirulina microalgae from wastewater.
- To optimize operational parameters for maximum algae removal and energy efficiency using a dielectric barrier plasma diffuser.
- To elucidate the mechanisms of algae cell destruction by plasma-generated active species.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a dielectric barrier plasma diffuser to treat wastewater containing Spirulina platensis.
- Investigated the effects of sample volume, input voltage and power, flow rate, and initial algae concentration.
- Analyzed algae removal rates, energy efficiency, and cell morphology using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).
Main Results:
- Achieved a 98% removal rate of Spirulina microalgae under optimized conditions.
- Demonstrated a superior mass transfer and algae removal efficiency compared to alternative plasma methods.
- Identified optimal parameters: 50 mL sample volume, 7.6 kV voltage, 700 mL/min flow rate, and 1280 mg/L initial concentration, yielding 20 g/kWh energy efficiency.
- SEM images revealed plasma-induced cell structure damage and loss of reproductive capability.
Conclusions:
- Non-thermal plasma technology is a highly effective method for removing Spirulina microalgae from wastewater.
- Optimized NTP parameters ensure high removal rates and energy efficiency.
- The removal mechanism involves damage to cell structure by active species like singlet oxygen, hydroxyl radicals, and ozone.
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