Removal of ibuprofen by a novel Fe/C granule-induced heterogeneous persulfate system at near neutral pH

In this study, novel Fe/C granule (FeCG) was successfully prepared at room temperature by embedding iron filings and hydrothermal carbonization biochar in sodium alginate. The removal rate of ibuprofen (IBU) by the composite system of sodium persulfate and FeCG was 96.81%, and the removal rate of total organic carbon was 68.41% near neutral pH. The core-shell structure was stable and almost unchanged after use. Eight intermediates were detected in the degradation process, from which the degradation pathway of IBU was proposed. The results of reusability and stability test showed that the removal rate of IBU was stable under the condition of poor water mobility. This study provides an alternative method to the treatment of contaminants in drugs and personal care products.