Degradation of dyes in textile industry wastewater using dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma

Abstract

Textile industry wastewater is one of the organic contaminants that is difficult to dispose of in keeping with high environmental quality standards because it contains highly colored dyes that are resistant to degradation. This research aims to provide an alternative treatment for textile industry wastewater that could be performed in a shorter timeframe than conventional methods. Degradation of textile industry wastewater dyes was achieved using dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma technology. The DBD plasma generation process was carried out using an outer electrode (Fe wire) and inner electrodes (Cu tape and mesh stainless steel) separated by a dielectric barrier (glass) inside a vessel of quartz and an AC voltage source of 11.5 kV with an air flow rate of 0.8 L/min. The DBD plasma technology produces a wide variety of active species such as O3, ·OH, and H2O2. Radical species (e.g., O3 and ·OH) are the key factors during this degradation process. The treated wastewater was then characterized using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The results showed that the degradation efficiency of textile industry wastewater reached 100% in a 45-minute treatment period, as indicated by color change from thick purple to a clear solution.