Non-thermal plasmas chemistry as a tool for environmental pollutants abatement

Abstract

Increasing concern for protecting the environment against the effects of growing industrialization, intensive agriculture, and further exploitation of natural resources poses enormous challenges to contemporary science and to the sustainable development of mankind. Most environmental pollutants pose some harm to human health and the environment irrespective of whether exposures occur through air, water, soil, or the food chain. Therefore, innovative alternative technologies and equipment are needed to abate, convert, decompose, or otherwise manage environmental pollutants. Non-thermal plasma (NTPs) chemistry is an innovative tool for potentially abating environmental pollutants; this technology promises to meet a host of abatement demands, including those mentioned above, and also offers crucial advantages such as improved energy efficiency, higher levels of treatment in smaller spaces, and near zero-emissions. © 2009 Springer-Verlag US.