The inactivation of Schistosoma mansoni cercariae and miracidia was achieved by exposure to plasma produced by the positive, negative, and axial negative corona discharges. The positive discharge appeared as the most effective, causing the death of cercariae and miracidia within 2-3 min of exposure. The negative discharge was less effective, and the axial discharge was ineffective. The water pre-activated (PAW) by the discharges showed similar efficiency, with the exception of the significantly effective PAW activated with axial discharge. These facts, together with the observation of various reactions among plasma-damaged schistosomes, suggest that the mechanisms of inactivation by different types of discharges are different.
Keywords: decontamination; non-thermal plasma.