Abstract This study presents a system to electro-neutralize agrochemicals in food and water samples based on the properties of a controlled electron trap, the related apparatus is protected under patent application (WO/2018/090110; INPI: BR 10 2016 0268486) / (PCT / BR 2017/050115). The efficacy of the system was verified as to the type, quantity, surface tension charge, temperature, pH and static energy loading of the electrolyte for both solid and liquid samples. It also took into consideration the retention and accumulation measurement of electric charges, verification of electrical potential differences and also accumulation by applying pulsed high voltage in according to the Daniell Cell method. The proposed technology is able to provide the electron-neutralization of acidic and alkaline chemicals and their toxic byproducts by modifying the pH of the liquid or solid medium. This is justified by the action of the electron trap using different polarities and electrodes in the range of 8 to 100 kV.

Pesticide and agrochemical residues in food and water are among hazardous chemicals that are associated with adverse health effects. Consequently, technologies for pesticide abatement in food and water remain in focus. Cold plasma is an emerging decontamination technology, that is being increasingly explored for the abatement of agrochemical and pesticide residue in food and water. In some cases, rapid and complete degradation of pesticide residues has come to light. Such promising results encourage exploring scale-up and commercialization. To achieve this, unraveling mechanisms involved in plasma decontamination and the nature of degradation products is needed. The present review identifies the mechanisms involved in plasma- assisted removal of pesticide residues from food and water, draws parallels with mechanism of ozone and ultraviolet technologies, investigates the chemistry of the intermediates and degradates, and identifies some future research needs. The review recognizes that mechanisms involved in plasma processes have overlapping similarities to those identified for ozone and ultraviolet light, involving oxidation by hydroxyl radical and photo-oxidation. The toxicity of intermediates and degradates in plasma processing have not received much attention. The safety aspects of end products form plasma led degradation of pesticides should be considered for practical exploitation. Identification of intermediates and degradation products, recognition of most potent plasma species, understanding the influence of co-existing entities, the energy efficiency of plasma reactors, and the process economics deserve research focus.