Development of a Household Plasma Water Generator for Cleaning Fruits and Vegetables

Abstract

This research aimed to develop and evaluate the efficiency of a plasma water generator for household use in cleaning vegetables and fruits by removing chemical residues, specifically chlorpyrifos and carbendazim, from kale. The experimental research involved designing a plasma water generator based on the principle of high-voltage electric field breakdown between two dielectric electrodes. One electrode was placed in a vacuum glass tube, while the other was positioned outside the tube, combined with water circulation at a flow rate of 4 liters per minute, a water volume of 20 liters, and an operation time of 40 minutes using tap water. The optimal conditions, observed at 20 minutes, yielded measurements of pH = 6.20, TDS = 63 ppm, EC = 127 µS/cm, and ORP = 276 mV. The plasma water maintained an effective ORP level for bacterial sterilization and chemical residue removal for up to 20 minutes, after which the plasma effect dissipated.

Research findings reveal that plasma-treated water produced by the developed system can reduce the residues of chlorpyrifos and carbendazim in Chinese kale to levels safe for consumers. These results were compared with pesticide residue test kits for fruits and vegetables, which indicated values within the safety standards when assessed with the test kits.