Plasma-Activated Tap Water by Gliding Arc Discharge Through Bubbles Using an Inverted Reactor Approach

This study employed an inverted reactor approach to activate tap water (TW) using effluent bubbles derived from a gliding arc discharge (GAD). Optical emission spectroscopy (OES) analysis revealed the dominant presence of nitrogen species and oxygen radicals within specified spectral ranges. The physicochemical attributes of the plasma-activated TW (PATW) remained consistent, highlighting the efficacy of the reactor’s bubbling system. Through UV-Vis spectrophotometry and pH analysis, the notable observation was the stabilizing influence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and positive hydrogen ions (H+) during the initial activation phases (75 min), which played a significant role in maintaining mildly alkaline pH. Energy efficiency metrics demonstrated a decline up to 1.25 h of activation, with subsequent stabilization. Our research outcomes further emphasize the efficacy of GAD, shedding light on its significant potential in optimizing the water activation process.