Continuous Inactivation of \u3cem\u3eE. coli\u3c/em\u3e by Liquid Phase Plasma Discharge

Water pollution can cause bacteria and viruses to multiply and spread, endangering human health. The prevalence of diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and avian flu are the consequences of water pollution. Due to its potential health threats, there is an urgent need to develop effective and low-cost disinfection methods to remove pathogenic microorganisms in the water. This project will be focusing on developing a novel continuous-flow liquid-phase plasma discharge (CLPD) process for inactivating E. coli as a model Gram-negative bacterium by passing the E. coli suspension through the CLPD reactor continuously. The objective of this project is to determine and evaluate significant CLPD operational variables for E. coli inactivation including air flow rate, liquid flow rate, applied power, and conductivity. Expected results include the viability of E. coli affected by each operational variable, as well as the quality of treated water in terms of hydrogen peroxide, nitrate, and nitrite levels. In order to develop the CLPD process into a viable technology for water disinfection, the significant operating variables will be further optimized in the future to improve bacteria inactivation rate and treated water quality