Removal of Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) in Water Using a Multi‐Pin Over Liquid Dielectric Barrier Discharge Reactor

ABSTRACT This study investigates the degradation of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in aqueous solution using an air‐operated multi‐pin over liquid dielectric barrier discharge reactor (DBD). PFOA concentration decreased during the initial treatment stage but reached a plateau after approximately 30 min (25 kWh m −3 ), indicating limited further conversion. Total organic carbon (TOC) declined slowly, suggesting progressive oxidation of transformation products rather than continued PFOA degradation. Fluoride release of less than 1% indicated limited mineralization. Energy yield decreased with time, indicating kinetic saturation. A broader distribution of transformation products was revealed in coupling tests with activated carbon, indicating an influence on plasma‐induced transformation pathways. Nevertheless, these findings show that air‐fed DBD plasma exhibits inherent limitations for PFAS oxidation under the experimental conditions investigated.