Vacuum ultraviolet radiation from gaseous plasma for destruction of water contaminants

• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.124396
• Publication Date: 2025-02-04T22:58:35Z
• Authors: Mark Zver; Rok Zaplotnik; Miran Mozetič; Alenka Vesel; Arijana Filipić; David Dobnik; Belisa Alcantara ...; Gregor Primc
• Keywords: Human decontamination; Ultraviolet

Innovative technological solutions are needed for water decontamination to combat the diverse pollutants present in systems, as no single optimal technique is appropriate all circumstances. Vacuum-ultraviolet (V-UV) radiation a source of energetic photons that break molecular bonds, producing plethora chemically reactive agents, most notably OH● radicals, which can cause degradation harmful pollutants. Low-pressure gaseous plasma good V-UV radiation; however, its application liquid poses challenges. We constructed an inductively coupled radiofrequency produce high-intensity radiation, was applied contaminated via V-UV-transparent window. Plasma sustained hydrogen, it produces highest intensity among gases at selected discharge parameters. Bacteriophage MS2 used indicator microbial efficiency. Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species were measured various treatment setups quantify their effect on inactivation elucidate primary factors. At conditions, concentration active virus dropped by 9 log10 PFU/mL 60 s. The experimental setup then treat bacteria E. coli, S. aureus, antibiotic tetracycline, synthetic dye methylene blue representatives other types pollutants, effectively removed/degraded within 10 min treatment. A comparison energy efficiency (EEO) disinfection made bacteriophage inactivation. With low EEO value, we showcase potential this further work field.