Work

DBD plasma induced degradation of anionic and cationic dyes: An insight into the fragmentation pathway of dye degradation

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The degradation of an anionic (Methyl Orange, MO) and a cationic (Methylene Blue, MB) dye using dielectric barrier discharge cold atmospheric plasma (DBD-CAP) was investigated. It was observed that the plasma generated reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), leading to the breakdown of dye chromophores and aromatic structures. Systematic analysis using UV–Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, and LC-MS/MS confirmed the degradation of > 97% for both dyes within 20 minutes of plasma exposure. The LC-MS/MS spectra revealed intermediate compounds and key degradation pathways, including azo bond cleavage, aromatic ring opening, and formation of aliphatic fragments. The proposed mechanism elucidates the stepwise breakdown into benign products such as CO 2 , H 2 O, and inorganic ions. The study demonstrated the potential of DBD-CAP as a green, efficient technology for industrial wastewater remediation, providing insights into plasma-induced molecular fragmentation and degradation kinetics of persistent organic pollutants.

Source: Chemical Engineering Journal Advances

DOI: 10.1016/j.ceja.2025.100869

Authors: Adarsh Thapa, Reetesh Borpatra Gohain, Punam Talukdar, Sarathi Kundu, Prasenjit Manna, Subir Biswas

Institutions: Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology, Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, North East Institute of Science and Technology

Language: English

Topic: Plasma Applications and Diagnostics

Subfield: Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Clean water and sanitation, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,050