Efficient degradation of nitrobenzene induced by glow discharge plasma in aqueous solution

The oxidative degradation of nitrobenzene (NB) induced by gaseous glow discharge plasma in contact with aqueous solution was investigated. The experimental results indicated that NB removal obeyed first-order kinetics under certain applied currents. The major degradation byproducts such as nitrophenols, phenol, 1,3-dinitrobenzene and carboxylic acids have been detected. The distribution of nitrophenols follows the order o- > p- > m- and oxalic, formic and acetic acids are major carboxylic intermediates. The eventual products were nitrate ion and carbon dioxide. During the treatment, a large amount of hydrogen peroxide was produced. Addition of ferrous or ferric ions into the solution greatly enhanced the degradation rate due to Fenton's reaction. The energy efficiencies of NB removal and hydrogen peroxide formation were compared with those of other discharges. Hydroxyl radicals were shown to be the most likely species responsible for NB degradation.