ABSTRACT Non‐thermal plasma‐liquid systems provide a promising route for water treatment via reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, though achieving high efficiency with low energy input remains challenging. A nanosecond‐pulsed underwater plasma bubble reactor was developed for efficient sulfamethoxazole degradation, achieving ~90% removal within 20 min and a high energy yield of ~860 mg·kWh⁻¹. Optical emission spectroscopy indicated enhanced oxygen‐related reactive species under air and O 2 plasmas, correlating with improved degradation performance. Solution chemistry showed increased oxidation‐reduction potential and acidification during treatment. Electron spin resonance confirmed short‐lived radicals (OH, ONOO⁻) and long‐lived species (H 2 O 2 , NO 2 ⁻, NO 3 ⁻). Mechanistic analysis suggests that indirect oxidation pathways dominate via hydroxylation, bond cleavage, and aromatic ring opening, highlighting the importance of plasma chemistry regulation and reactor design.
Yuan et al. (Wed,) studied this question.