Zero-valent iron/activated carbon microelectrolysis to activate peroxydisulfate for efficient degradation of chlortetracycline in aqueous solution

Tetracycline antibiotics are widely used in human and veterinary medicine; however, their gradual increase in the aquatic environment poses a serious threat to human health and ecosystems. The reactivity of peroxydisulfate (PDS) in the degradation of chlortetracycline (CTC) in aqueous solution using a zero-valent iron/activated carbon (AC) microelectrolysis method (Fe(0)–AC/PDS) was investigated by batch experiments. The results showed that the effects of different systems were as follows: Fe(0)–AC/PDS > Fe(0)/PDS > AC/PDS > Fe(0)–AC > AC > Fe(0) > PDS. In the Fe(0)–AC/PDS system, the degradation efficiency of CTC could reach 88% under the following optimal experimental conditions: Fe(0) dose of 0.4 g L(−1), PDS dose of 2 g L(−1), pH of 3 and initial CTC concentration of 50 mg L(−1). The presence of Cl(−), HCO(3)(−) and H(2)PO(4)(−) inhibited the degradation of CTC, while humic acid accelerated the degradation rate of CTC. The mineralization of CTC was evaluated from the TOC, with a value of 31.44% in 7 h. Free radical identification experiments showed that SO(4)(−)˙ and O(2)(−)˙ were involved in the degradation of CTC. The iron and carbon materials had good reusability, and the degradation rate of CTC was still approximately 70% after four cycles. Finally, the possible mechanism for the degradation of CTC by the Fe(0)–AC/PDS systems was discussed. Based on the above conclusions, Fe(0)–AC microelectrolysis is a new heterogeneous catalytic method for green and efficient activation of PDS and demonstrates potential applicability in the treatment of wastewater.