Plasma‐induced precipitation of metal ions in aqueous solutions

Abstract

Abstract BACKGROUND This work focuses on removing metal ions (Fe 3+ , Cu 2+ , and Zn 2+ ) from aqueous solutions and real wastewater by underwater plasma. RESULTS Results show that the joint presence of Fe 3+ , Cu 2+ , and Zn 2+ are needed for effective precipitation of these ions from aqueous solutions. The short‐time underwater plasma treatment leads to more effective removal of metal ions from real wastewater compared to treatment facilities of a factory. CONCLUSIONS Removing metal ions from aqueous solutions of their mixture by underwater plasma occurs via formation of non‐dissolved substances on the base of metal oxide/hydroxide. Efficient removal of metal ions from real wastewater allows the creation of a prototype setup as one of the blocks of treatment facilities at a chemical factory. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry