ABSTRACT
Although electrocoagulation is an evolving technology that is being effectively applied today for wastewater treatment, the paucity of scientific understanding of the complex chemical and physical processes involved is limiting future design and hindering progress. The objective of this review through a survey of the literature is to bring the chemistry and physical processes involved into perspective and to focus attention on those areas critically needing research.
Subject(s)
Waste Disposal, Fluid/methods , Xenobiotics/chemistry , Chemical Phenomena , Chemistry, Physical , Electric Stimulation , Water Pollutants , Water Pollution/prevention & controlABSTRACT
The applications of plasma chemistry to environmental problems and to green chemistry are emerging fields that offer unique opportunities for advancement. There has been substantial progress in the application of plasmas to analytical diagnostics and to waste reduction and waste management. This review discusses the chemistry and physics necessary to a basic understanding of plasmas, something that has been missing from recent technical reviews. The current status of plasmas in environmental chemistry is summarized and emerging areas of application for plasmas are delineated. Plasmas are defined and discussed in terms of their properties that make them useful for environmental chemistry. Information is drawn from diverse fields to illustrate the potential applications of plasmas in analysis, materials modifications and hazardous waste treatments.
