Plasma-assisted oxidation of benzoic acid

Plasma-assisted oxidation of organic compounds is one of the developing technologies for wastewater treatment. Plasmas effectively accelerate degradation processes due to plasma generated reactive species and ultra-violet radiation. Oxidation of BA in aqueous solutions by the atmospheric pressure glow discharge and underwater diaphragm discharge was studied and monitored by fluorescence and spectrophotometric methods. Discharge type and solution pH affect the formation rates of mono- and dihydroxybenzoic acids. Dihydroxyl derivatives were formed only by glow discharge action. The yields of hydroxyl radical were estimated on the kinetics data for the hydroxylation of benzoic acid. The steps of the hydroxylation processes and further oxidation were described.