Formation of Nitrite- and Nitrate-Ions in Aqueous Solutions Treated with Pulsed Electric Discharges

The accumulation of nitrogen-containing ions formed in aqueous solutions dispersed in air and treated with pulsed corona, dielectric barrier and spark electric discharges, was studied dependent on electric conductivity and pH of treated solutions. The impact of conductivity to the spark and corona discharge is determined by the increased ohmic losses in the reactor. In contrast, the character of dielectric barrier discharge is significantly changed with growing conductivity resulted in increased nitrite-to-nitrate ratio. In alkaline solutions the production of nitrites is increased for the spark and the barrier discharge; the corona discharge produce only nitrates. The amount of nitrates produced in pulsed corona discharge at energy doses characteristic for potable water treatment is about 100 times lower than their maximum permissible concentration.