Work

Pulsed Corona Discharge for Targeted Oxidation of Carbamazepine in Water and Source‐Separated Human Urine

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Pharmaceutical residues in human urine present a critical barrier to its recycling as a circular fertilizer. Gas‐phase pulsed corona discharge (PCD) generating short‐living radicals at the plasma‐liquid interface was applied for targeted and energy‐efficient oxidation of anticonvulsant carbamazepine (CBZ) in urine. In aqueous solution, CBZ was rapidly degraded with energy efficiency reaching 50 g kWh −1 . In real urine, CBZ oxidation was hindered (1.6 g kWh −1 ) by competing endogenous organic compounds consuming reactive species. Complete CBZ oxidation was achieved in urine with no detectable loss of plant‐essential nutrients (urea, ammonia) or chloride. Compared to conventional ozonation, PCD achieved an order of magnitude higher energy efficiency in CBZ oxidation. The study demonstrates PCD as a targeted pharmaceutical degradation method valorizing human urine.

Source: Plasma Processes and Polymers

DOI: 10.1002/ppap.70121

Authors: Irina Petrochenko, Niina Dulova, Prithvi Simha, Sergei Preis

Institutions: Tallinn University of Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Plasma Applications and Diagnostics

Subfield: Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Clean water and sanitation, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: European Commission, Stiftelsen Lantbruksforskning, HORIZON EUROPE Framework Programme