Combined Effects of Long- Living Chemical Species during Microbial Inactivation Using Atmospheric Plasma- Treated Water

Electrical discharges in humid air at atmospheric pressure (nonthermal quenched plasma) generate long-lived chemical species in water that are efficient for microbial decontamination. The major role of nitrites was evidenced together with a synergistic effect of nitrates and H2O2 and matching acidification. Other possible active compounds are considered, e. g., peroxynitrous acid.