The removal of SO2from simulated gas streams (N2/O2/H2O/SO2) is experimentally investigated using a dielectric barrier discharge, and by computer modeling. Conversion of SO2to primarily H2SO4is found to be limited by the generation of OH radicals. Increasing the concentrations of O2and H2O increases the generation of OH radicals and results in more removal of SO2from gas streams. Removal efficiencies of ≳80% were experimentally achieved. Results from the model suggest that more efficient removal is obtained with a series of short, highE/Ncurrent pulses rather than a single, lowE/Ncurrent pulse. Results from the model also suggest that uv illumination of the plasma to photolyze O3will improve the removal of SO2from the gas stream. Photolysis of O3produces O(1D) atoms which generate OH radicals by H abstraction from H2O, thereby increasing the removal of SO2.