Degradation of Microcystin-LR by Gas-Liquid Interfacial Discharge Plasma

In this study, we report on the degradation of microcystin-LR (MC-LR) by gas- liquid interfacial discharge plasma. The influences of operation parameters such as average input voltage, electrode distance and gas flow rate are investigated. Experimental results indicate that the input voltage and gas flow rate have positive influences on MC-LR degradation, while the electrode distance has a negative one. After 6 min discharge with 25 kV average input voltage and 60 L/h air aeration, the degradation rate of MC-LR achieves 75.3%. H ₂ O ₂ and O ₃ generated by discharge both in distilled water and MC-LR solution are measured. Moreover, an emission spectroscopy is used as an indicator of the processes that take place on the gas-liquid boundary and inside plasma. Varied types of radicals (O, ·OH, CO, O ₃ , etc.) are proved to be present in the gas phase during gas-liquid interfacial discharge.