Key-study on plasma-induced degradation of cephalosporins in water: Process optimization, assessment of degradation mechanisms and residual toxicity

• Highly efficient degradation of cephalexin and cefazolin in water by NSP-corona. Identification RONS gas liquid phase under O 2 , air N plasma. ROS RNS contributed on degradation, especially short-lived ·OH 1 2. Comprehensive & credible maps based intermediates identified LCMS. Reduced cytotoxicity for both cephalosporins after plasma treatment. Cephalosporins is a class β -lactam antibiotics being widely used often released uncontrollably aquatic systems thus resulting serious environmental contamination. In this work, we investigated the first-time (CPX) (CFZ) nanosecond-pulsed cold atmospheric (NSP-CAP) using multi-pin-to-liquid corona reactor, proposing special pathways assessing their residual toxicities. Increasing pulse voltage frequency enhanced concentration energy input into system which led to improved plasma-induced cephalosporin efficiency, rate yield, latter two orders magnitude higher (0.84–1.37 g/kWh) than those reported photocatalytic degradation. - air-plasmas displayed superior performance compared -plasma due increased concentration. The prevailing role process long-lived H electrons was confirmed. Nevertheless, identical efficiencies between oxygen indicated possible significant contribution some (e.g. ONOOH/ONOO – ) generated nitrogen content air-plasma. degradants CPX CFZ were interrogated UPLC/MS, comprehensive proposed reduced demonstrated plasma-treated solutions. Given are resistant human (and other species) metabolism/degradation, work supports that CAP constitutes arguably one most remediation technologies date.