Non-Thermal Atmospheric Plasma for Microbial Decontamination and Removal of Hazardous Chemicals: An Overview in the Circular Economy Context with Data for Test Applications of Microwave Plasma Torch

Abstract

The transformation of our linear “take-make-waste” system to a cyclic flow of materials and energy is a priority task for society, but the circular use of waste streams from one industry/sector as a material input for another must be completely safe. The need for new advanced technologies and methods ensuring both microbiological safety and the removal of potential chemical residues in used materials and products is urgent. Non-thermal atmospheric plasma (cold atmospheric plasma—CAP) has recently attracted great research interest as an alternative for operative solutions of problems related to safety and quality control. CAP is a powerful tool for the inactivation of different hazardous microorganisms and viruses, and the effective decontamination of surfaces and liquids has been demonstrated. Additionally, the plasma’s active components are strong oxidizers and their synergetic effect can lead to the degradation of toxic chemical compounds such as phenols and azo-dyes.