Multihole dielectric barrier discharge with asymmetric electrode arrangement in water and application to sterilization of aqua pathogens

•A novel MH-DBD plasma system was developed for pathogen sterilization in aquaculture.•The eccentric electrode arrangement enhanced plasma emission toward water.•The MH-DBD plasma showed high sterilization performance over 6.5–7.5 log reduction.•This system can decontaminate waste water through plasma-based oxidation processes.