Decomposition of Persistent Organic Compounds in Water Using Pulsed Discharge on Water.

Acetic acid simulating a persistent organic compound in water was decomposed by a discharge on water using a thin blade electrode. The thin blade electrode facilitates the generation of wide-ranging discharges on water. The effect of differences in the species of the supply gas and the discharge power on the decomposition of acetic acid was investigated. Compared with argon, when helium was used, a larger amount of acetic acid was decomposed. Experiments also confirmed that the decomposition rate of acetic acid rose with the discharge power. It was also found that the decomposition efficiency was improved when the discharge power was reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]