Using non-thermal plasma for wastewater treatment: application for antibiotics removal – IMPORTANCE

The increasing prevalence of antibiotics in wastewater poses a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems and public health, necessitating the development of innovative treatment technologies. This project explores the potential of non-thermal plasma (NTP) as a cutting-edge solution for the efficient removal of antibiotics, particularly focusing on widely used pharmaceuticals like Ciprofloxacin and Sulfamethoxazole. Non-thermal plasma generates reactive species under ambient conditions, offering a sustainable approach to degrade persistent contaminants without the need for high energy consumption or chemical additives. The research aims at investigating the degradation mechanisms of antibiotics in wastewater through plasma-induced reactions, analysing the role of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in breaking down complex organic molecules. A dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma will be ingnited in the liquid to enhance plasma-liquid interactions, ensuring effective pollutant removal while maintaining energy efficiency. The project will assess the degradation efficiency, identify by-products, and evaluate the potential for large-scale application. By combining fundamental studies on the plasma physics and chemistry with applied research in water treatment, this project seeks to contribute to the development of green technologies for industrial wastewater management, addressing the urgent need for antibiotic contamination mitigation.