Modeling and Optimization of Argon-Activated Electrohydraulic Plasma Discharge Process for p-Nitrophenol Remediation

Anilkumar Krosuri, Yunfei Zhou, Muhammad Aamir Bashir, Robinson Junior Ndeddy Aka and Sarah Wu ()
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Anilkumar Krosuri: Environmental Science Program, University of Idaho, 875 Perimeter Drive MS 1138, Moscow, ID 83844-1138, USA
Yunfei Zhou: Department of Mathematics and Statistical Science, University of Idaho, 875 Perimeter Drive MS 3025, Moscow, ID 83844-3025, USA
Muhammad Aamir Bashir: Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Idaho, 875 Perimeter Drive MS 0904, Moscow, ID 83844-0904, USA
Robinson Junior Ndeddy Aka: Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Idaho, 875 Perimeter Drive MS 0904, Moscow, ID 83844-0904, USA
Sarah Wu: Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Idaho, 875 Perimeter Drive MS 0904, Moscow, ID 83844-0904, USA

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 20, 1-16

Abstract: This study presents a statistical modelling and optimization of an argon-activated electrohydraulic plasma discharge (EHPD) process for the degradation and mineralization of p-nitrophenol (p-NP) in water. The EHPD reactor design incorporated dual dielectric plates to initiate plasma discharge through a central orifice. A fractional factorial design (FFD) was first employed to screen four operating variables, including argon flow rate, pH, applied power, and persulfate dosage, on the p-NP degradation efficiency and energy yield, revealing argon flow rate and applied power as two identified, significant process factors. These were then further optimized using a central composite design (CCD) and response surface methodology (RSM), with the optimal operating condition found to be 2.73 L/min and 128.6 W for argon flow rate and applied power, respectively. Under the optimal operating conditions, 10 min treatment of 50 mg/L p-NP achieved a degradation efficiency of 94.2% and 75.8% total organic carbon (TOC) removal, along with a first-order reaction rate constant of 0.296 min −1 and an energy efficiency of 0.22 g/kWh. The reaction mechanism for p-NP degradation by EHPD was proposed and confirmed with optical emission spectroscopy and radical scavengers. The optimized EHPD process proved both effective and energy-efficient in treating p-nitrophenol, highlighting its potential as a scalable and sustainable plasma-based technology for eliminating persistent organic pollutants and promoting greener water treatment practices.

Keywords: electrohydraulic plasma discharge; p-nitrophenol; fractional factorial design; response surface methodology (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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