Degradation of metronidazole by radio frequency discharge in an aqueous solution

Complete mineralization of aqueous metronidazole induced by radio frequency discharge in water has been achieved. • OH, H • , and • O were produced. Decay of MNZ followed pseudo‐first order kinetics, and no pH effects were observed. • OH scavengers enhanced the removal. Formic acid, nitrite ion, oxalic acid, nitrate ion, and acetic acid were the major intermediate byproducts. Final products were ammonia and inorganic carbon. Both • OH and H • participated in the MNZ degradation.