Inactivation of Microcystis aeruginosa by DC glow discharge plasma: Impacts on cell integrity, pigment contents and microcystins degradation

J Hazard Mater. 2014 Mar 15:268:33-42. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2014.01.001. Epub 2014 Jan 7.

Abstract

We proposed a method to inactivate M. aeruginosa by using discharge plasma taking at the gas-solution interface supplied by DC power. Multiple analysis techniques including fluorescence excitation-emission matrix (EEM) and flow cytometry (FCM) were used to reveal the inactivation mechanism of M. aeruginosa. The photosynthetic pigment contents including phycocyanin, chlorophyll and metabolites were examined quantitatively. The DC glow discharge plasma caused an increased level of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the damage of M. aeruginosa cells are mainly attributed to the oxidative stress including OH attack and H2O2 oxidation. Our findings demonstrate that plasma oxidation is a promising technology for inactivation of M. aeruginosa cells with simultaneous removal of microcystins and so it may lead us to a new route to efficient treatment of cyanobacterial blooms.

Keywords: DC glow discharge plasma oxidation; Fluorescence; Microcystin; Microcystis aeruginosa.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Electrodes
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Harmful Algal Bloom
  • Microcystis / cytology
  • Microcystis / isolation & purification*
  • Microcystis / ultrastructure
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Oxidative Stress
  • Plasma Gases / chemistry*
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / analysis
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / chemistry
  • Water Microbiology / standards*
  • Water Pollutants / isolation & purification*
  • Water Purification / methods*

Substances

  • Plasma Gases
  • Reactive Oxygen Species
  • Water Pollutants