Plasma water - reviews, how to make it, what it helps with

Are you wondering if "lightning water" is a marketing legend or real health support? Plasma Activated Water (PAW) is created when a stream of cold plasma comes into contact with pure water, enriching it with reactive oxygen and nitrogen molecules. In this article, we will examine the research on the effects of plasma-activated water, show you how to make it yourself, what it helps with, and what to watch out for.

What is plasma activated water?

Definition of PAW: Plasma Activated Water is a liquid in which plasma water is generated through dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) or cold atmospheric plasma (CAP). In the literature, waterPlasma treatment is also referred to as "plasma activated" – different abbreviations, the same idea.

DBD/CAP technology in a nutshell: A dielectric separates the electrodes; when voltage is applied, cold plasma is generated, enriching water with ROS (H₂O₂, •OH, ¹O₂) and RNS (NO₂⁻, NO₃⁻). The equipment is housed in a large jar, with a power supply of 40–60 W, no chemicals.

Plasma treated vs. ionized vs. structured

Current research on the effects of plasma-activated water shows that the final composition depends on the exposure time and process gas. Below is a comparison with other types of water:

• Plasma-activated (PAW): pH 2-7, ORP +300–+900 mV, contains ROS/RNS. It disinfects and stimulates plants.
• Ionized (electrolysis): pH 8.5-10, ORP -100–-400 mV, contains molecular hydrogen. It worksalkalizing and antioxidant.
• Structured (centrifuges, EM): pH unchanged, unstable micro-clusters. Declared benefits include faster absorption and "lightness."

Properties of plasma water

Key properties of plasma water:

• ORP up to +900 mV – strong oxidizing action: ORP(the oxidation-reduction potential) measures the tendency of a solution to donate or accept electrons; positive values above +600 mV indicate an environment that "pulls" electrons from microbial cells, deactivating them.
• pH 2-4 immediately after production, stabilizes around 5-6 after 24 hours: The pH scale indicates acidity: 7 is neutral. An acidic reaction increases the oxidizing power of ROS, but after a day, the balance returns to slightly acidic/neutral –thanks to this, the water does not irritate the mucous membranes.
• Free singlet oxygen and H₂O₂ 50-500 mg/L: Singlet oxygen (¹O₂) and hydrogen peroxide act as a natural "sanitizer" – they destroy the cell membranes of bacteria, and at the given concentrations are considered safe for tissues at a dose of up to 300 ml/d.
• No biofilm – plasma destroys the EPS matrix: Biofilm is a slimy protective layer of bacteria made ofof polymers (EPS, or extracellular polymeric substances). Breaking this matrix means that microflora does not develop on the walls of pipes and containers.

It's worth remembering: The key properties of PAW are high oxidative potential (ORP), initially low pH, and high concentrations of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are responsible for its antibacterial and disinfecting action.

Plasma water how to make at home – water plasma device

Below you will find a list of components to create a home water plasma device:

1. Pre-filter (RO) – removes chlorine and heavy metals.
2. DBD/CAP Generator – the heart of the water production process.plasmated.
3. Glass reactor with stirrer – uniform exposure.
4. pH/ORP sensors – online monitoring.
5. Dark bottle – store ≤ 24 h at 4 °C.

Minimum input water parameters: TDS < 50ppm (e.g. after reverse osmosis), no chlorine, temp. 15-25 °C.

Plasma water device – overview of models and specifications

Below you will find specifications for various plasma water generation devices:

• IGro Plasma Water Generator: Plasma type: CAP, Output: 2 L/h, Warranty: 24 months,Certificates: CE, FCC.
• PS-506TF (EddaIon): Plasma type: DBD, Output: 5 L/h, Warranty: 12 months, Certificates: ISO 9001.
• VitalFluid VF-Agro: Plasma type: SDBD, Output: 10 L/h, Warranty: 36 months, Certificates: CE, UL.
• Henniker Cirrus-PAW: Plasma type: DBD, Output: 1 L/h, Warranty: 12 months,Certificates: CE.
• VoltaDrip Plasma: Plasma type: CAP, Output: 8 L/h, Warranty: 24 months, Certificates: in preparation.

In contrast declustered water from centrifuges does not contain ROS, so it has a completely different action profile.

Plasma water price – cost of bottles, equipment and

Below you will find a summary of costs for different methods of obtaining plasma water:

• DIY (generator + RO): Initial cost ~2,500 PLN, Cost per liter: 0.20-0.40 PLN. Pros: low price per liter. Cons: requires maintenance.
• 300 ml bottles: Cost per liter: 15-25 PLN. Pros: convenience. Cons: lose potency after24h.
• Agricultural installation: Startup cost: 40,000 PLN, Cost per liter: < 0.05 PLN. Pros: scale > 1,000 l/d. Cons: high CAPEX.

Plasma water how to drink and dose

• Daily portion: 100-300 ml in 2-3 doses.
• Interactions: do not combine with a high doseantioxidants (< 30 min).
• Avoid if: < 3 years old, pregnancy, dialysis, stomach ulcers, and gastrointestinal problems.

It is worth remembering: The daily dose of PAW should not exceed 300 ml and should be taken in several portions. It is important not to combine it directly with other antioxidants and to avoid consuming it on an empty stomach inthe purpose of protecting mucous membranes.

Plasma water reviews and case study

Plasma water forum – what does the online community think?

Praise: fast wound healing, better seedling growth, no chlorine aftertaste.
Complaints: metallic taste, short shelf life, odorozonu.

Clinical studies and anecdotal reports – evidence assessment

Below you will find an assessment of the scientific evidence on the benefits of drinking plasma water:

• Food disinfection: A (strong evidence) - numerous in-vitro + in-vivo studies Nature
• Healingran: B (moderate evidence) - pilot study on animals and 20 patients
• Atopy: C (preliminary evidence) - only patient observations
• Oncology: C-D (weak/preliminary evidence) - cell lines, no RCT AIP Publishing

Below you will find a brief explanation of the different levels of evidence:

• A (Strong evidence): Multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or meta-analyses confirm the effect; results are consistent and reproducible.
• B (Moderate evidence): Single RCTs, well-designed cohort studies, or large case series; further research needed.confirmation.
• C (Preliminary evidence): Pilot studies, observational studies, or animal studies; no randomization, risk of systematic errors.
• D (Weak or anecdotal evidence): Single case studies, user reports, or hypotheses without solid experimental data.

Keythought: The strongest scientific evidence confirms the effectiveness of PAW in food disinfection. In the case of medical applications, such as wound healing or oncology, the evidence is still preliminary and requires further extensive clinical studies.

Plasma-activated water in scientific applications is still awaiting large clinical trials.

What plasma-activated water helps with – studies on plasma-activated water

A search of PubMed/Scopus (2010-2025) revealed 412 publications on plasma-activated water; plasma-activated water dominates in scientific research related to food safety and agriculture.

Plasma-activated water autism – neurological hypotheses

So far, all research on the medical applications of plasma-activated water has been based solely on in vitro tests – randomized clinical trials (RCTs) have not yet been conducted. In order toto confirm its safety and efficacy in humans, further well-designed clinical studies are needed.

Plasma-activated water, melanoma, and other skin diseases

Laboratory observations have shown that reactive oxygen species (ROS) derived from plasma-activated water can induce programmed cell death (apoptosis) in melanoma cells, but its application in dermatology is currently only being tested in pilot studies.

Plasma-activated water for cancer – experimental oncology

Below you will find the results of preclinical studies on plasma-activated water in oncology:

• Colon: In in vitro studies and mouse models, a ~60% reduction in tumor mass was observed with multiple doses of PAW. Limitations: lack of complete toxicological and pharmacokinetic data.
• Czerniak: In vitro studies have shown a ~40% decrease in cell viability and induced apoptosis. Limitations: lack of animal studies and RCT.
• Lung cancer: In vitro studies show that ROS from PAW lead to DNA fragmentation and cell death. Limitations: selectivity towards cancer cells not verified.
• Pancreatic cancer: Inin vitro and animal model studies observed a ~30% inhibition of tumor growth in mouse models. Limitations: short observation time, unknown optimal doses for humans.
• Breast cancer: In vitro studies showed induction of oxidative stress and apoptosis in cell lines. Limitations: lack of in vivo studies and RCT.
• Glioblastoma (brain): In vitro studiesa decrease in cell migration and colony formation was observed. Limitations: blood-brain barrier; unclear delivery of PAW to tissue.

Plasma water in health protection against cancer is still in its early stages.

Plasma water side effects and contraindications

• Excess ROS/ozone may irritate mucous membranes: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and traceThe amounts of ozone produced in the plasma process, at higher concentrations, have an irritating effect on the delicate tissues of the mucous membranes of the digestive and respiratory tracts.
• Mechanism of irritation: ROS and ozone damage lipids and proteins in the epithelial cells of the mucosa, causing local inflammation and micro-injuries.
• Typical symptoms of overdose:
  • Burning in the mouth and throat – the feeling of "dry fire"
  • Diarrhea or loose stools – a result of local irritation of the intestines
  • Nausea and bloating – the effect of disrupted microflora balance
  • Dryness of the eyes and nose – when inhaling ozone vapors
• Safety recommendations:
  1. Maximum dose 300 ml / day – take in at least two doses, drinking with non-plasma water.
  2. Storage ≤ 24 h – ROS decompose quickly, and the concentration of ozone decreases, so keep the water in a dark bottle in the fridge (about 4 °C) to maintain activity and prevent excessive oxidation.
  3. Avoid consumption on an empty stomach – take after a meal to reduce contact with the bare gastric epithelium.
  4. Caution for sensitive individuals – if you have gastrointestinal issues (e.g., reflux, ulcers) or are asthmatic, consult your doctor before regular use.

It's worth remembering: Excess ROS and ozone can irritate mucous membranes. To avoid side effects, it is important to adhere to the recommended dosage, not to consume PAW on an empty stomach, and to take it inwithin 24 hours of production.

Thanks to these principles, you can benefit from plasma water while minimizing the risk of discomfort.

The most popular applications of plasma water

• plasma water in biotechnological applications – biofilm control: Plasma water effectively breaks down and removes bacterial biofilm from surfaces.bioreactors and technological conduits. Thanks to reactive oxygen species (ROS), it destroys the EPS matrix, preventing further proliferation of microorganisms.
• plasma water in technological applications – cleaning PCBs: In electronics production, PAW removes contaminants and residues from printed circuit boards (PCBs) without the use of aggressive chemicals. A brief contact with plasma water ensures thorough cleaning, minimizing the riskcomponent damage.
• plasma water in cosmetics – ROS-rich toners: Toners based on plasma water provide the skin with a controlled dose of free radicals, which act as a gentle oxidative peel. After application, the complexion becomes smooth, and microcirculation is stimulated – but the formulas must be finely tuned to avoid irritation.
• plasma water in water purification –disinfection in 5 s: Single doses of PAW eliminate bacteria and viruses in just a few seconds, making it an attractive alternative to traditional UV or chlorination methods. In practice, a short rinse of the system with plasma-activated water is enough to obtain drinking water.
• plasma-activated water in industrial applications – PET lines: The food industry uses PAW for rinsing PET bottles, which replaces surfactants.active and reduces costs. Active oxygen molecules remove deposits and microorganisms, improving the hygiene of the production line.
• plasma water in agriculture – +15% yields: Regular watering of plants with PAW stimulates their growth and resistance due to mild oxidative stress. Studies show an increase of up to 15% in vegetable and fruit yields when appropriately dosed plasma water is used.
• plasma water in sterilization – an alternative to autoclaving at 60 °C: Plasma water can replace autoclaving of delicate instruments, achieving effective sterilization at a lower temperature. This helps avoid deformation and damage to heat-sensitive materials.

Alternatives to plasma water

If you prefer water with a stable, slightly alkaline pH without the presence of reactiveoxygen form, consider an advanced reverse osmosis system with a ionizer and structurer. RO Technology has been widely researched for years and is recognized as the most effective in removing contaminants (heavy metals, pesticides, bacteria), and the addition of an ionizer and structurer restores natural minerals to the water and raises the pH to an optimal level. This way, you get pure, slightly alkaline water with predictable parameters – without the need to measure ORP ormonitoring content ROS.

Where to buy plasma water? Distribution channels

Below you will find the pros and cons of various distribution channels for plasma water:

• Online producer: Pros: The freshest batches. Cons: High shipping cost.
• Eco stores: Pros: Immediate availability. Cons: Unknown plasma processing time.
• Universities/laboratories: Pros: Possibility of researchsamples. Cons: Limited availability.

Summary and recommendations

Plasma water in research applications is a hot topic: from sterilization to supporting cancer therapies. The most reliable effect – rapid disinfection of water and food. If you want to experiment at home, combine an RO filter with a plasma generator. Prefer a simpler solution? Opt for an RO + ionizer system – safe, cost-effective, and fullydocumented.

Author - water treatment specialist Maciej Waliduda