Salicylic Acid Elimination by Pulsed Corona Discharge Treatment of Wastewater

Abstract Elimination of salicylic acid by pulsed corona discharge in a multipin‐plate reactor was investigated. Corona discharge is an alternative technique that produces highly active species such as HO • that degrade salicylic acid. Salicylic acid was totally eliminated in 60 min of treatment with 200 stainless steel needles. Variables such as pH, initial concentration, conductivity, and Na 2 SO 4 dosage were studied to elucidate their influence on salicylic acid elimination. Salicylic acid elimination increased with decreasing pH, initial concentration, and conductivity of the liquid.