Optimization of atmospheric cold plasma process for degradation of polystyrene microplastics in aqueous environments using central composite design
Journal of Behdasht dar Arseh (i.e., Health in the Field),
Vol. 13 No. 4 (1404),
5 September 2026
,
Page 42-55
https://doi.org/10.22037/jhf.v13i4.50927
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the efficiency of an atmospheric cold plasma for the degradation of polystyrene microplastics from aqueous environments.
Materials and Methods: Experiments were conducted in a semi-batch cylindrical reactor equipped with an alternating-current power supply capable of delivering voltages of up to 50 kV at frequencies ranging from 1 to 50 kHz. Response surface methodology, based on a central composite design, was employed to investigate the effects of reaction time, voltage, airflow rate, initial microplastic concentration, and pH and to optimize the degradation efficiency. Microplastics were quantified by microscopic counting. In addition, reaction kinetics, the role of radical scavengers, the effects of interfering ions, and changes in COD and TOC were evaluated under the optimal conditions. The study was conducted in full compliance with applicable ethical protocols.
Results: The developed quadratic model demonstrated high predictive capability (P< 0.0001). A maximum removal efficiency of 77.7% was achieved at a reaction time 52 min, voltage of 30 kV, air flow rate of 14 L/min, pH of 9.6, and initial concentration of 509 particles/L. Mechanistic investigations revealed that hydroxyl radicals played the primary role, whereas superoxide radicals contributed secondarily to the oxidative degradation. The process kinetics followed a pseudo-first-order model. The effects of coexisting cations and anions on the reactive species were confirmed. The specific energy consumption values, and , were determined to be 252.1 and 153.4 kWh/g, respectively, indicating favorable energy efficiency of the system.
Conclusion: Atmospheric cold plasma technology represents an efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly advanced oxidation process for removing polystyrene microplastics from water resources.
- Atmospheric Cold Plasma process
- Microplastics
- Polystyrene
- Optimization
- Central composite design
- Aqueous environments
How to Cite
References
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