Microwave-Induced In-Liquid Plasma for Chemical and Environmental Applications: Investigation of Wastewater Treatment Contaminated by Microplastics and Toxic Metal Ions

This study utilized a microwave-induced in-liquid plasma (MILP) device to treat water contaminated with microplastics (MPs) and metal ions. The performance of the device was initially assessed using a rhodamine-B (RhB) aqueous dye solution in a circulation-type reactor, yielding a greater degradation efficiency compared to conventional batch treatments. Polyethylene (PE) particles (diameter, 20 μm; average molecular weight, 1.8 million) served as a model for MPs to evaluate their disposal and degradation under continuous circulation treatment. A plasma-induced polymer gel synthesis method was employed to remove metal ions, achieving over 80% removal of copper, tin, lead, and mercury within 5 minutes. These findings highlight the significant potential of MILP technology for innovative advanced water treatment applications.