Investigation of Fludioxonil Reduction Using Non-Thermal Atmospheric Plasma through Experimental Simulation

Abstract

In this study, the effect of non-thermal atmospheric plasma (NTAP) treatment on the reduction of residual fludioxonil (C12H6F2N2O2, 4-(2,2-difluoro-1,3-benzodioxol-4-yl)-1H-pyrrole-3-carbonitrile) was investigated through experimental simulation. Fludioxonil is known for its high residual concentration on fruits and vegetables. To simulate residual fludioxonil reduction in the storage location prior to consumption of fruits or vegetables by consumers, we designed an experimental setup utilizing a gas distribution system and a cylindrical dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma source. A cylindrical DBD plasma source was adopted to produce the plasma activated chemical species (O3). To evaluate the effect of plasma treatment on the reduction of residual fludioxonil, experiments were performed under three different conditions: varying concentrations and treatment times of O3, as well as the surface roughness of microscope slide glass. Based on the results, 10 min plasma treatment with an O3 concentration of 11.89 μL/L, which showed a 58.5% reduction rate, is recommended. The O3 concentration has a higher priority than the treatment time for reduction rates of residual fludioxonil.