Degradation of methyl orange by atmospheric DBD plasma: Analysis of the degradation effects and degradation path

The degradation process of methyl orange solution by dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma using a board-DBD reactor was studied. The percentage destruction reached 99% after 35 min treatment. The pH value of the methyl orange solution decreased with the treatment time and it reached a constant value when discharged for 20 min. The COD value of the methyl orange solution decreased by 57.9% for 30 min treatment. The degradation path was suggested based on the analysis of the molecular structure of methyl orange, intermediate products and the molecular bond energies. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.