The pH-dependent degradation of sulfadiazine using natural siderite activating PDS: The role of singlet oxygen

Abstract Occurring naturally siderite (FeCO3) was used as the heterogeneous catalyst to activate peroxodisulfate (PDS) for the degradation of sulfadiazine under different initial pH values. The findings of this system exhibited various ROS (e.g. 1O2, SO·4− and ·OH) present during a wide range of pH values. Among them, 1O2 could significantly facilitate the initial degradation rate, and the increased pH enhanced the role of 1O2. The factors including initial pH values, siderite dosage, PDS concentration, initial contaminants concentration, and water matrix were discussed. The role of each ROS was investigated through quenching test and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). Furthermore, the comprehensive degradation process was proposed based on the LC-MS results. And the cycle test demonstrates the reusability of siderite at a pH of 3. Accordingly, this study is of great significance for understanding the degradation of such sulfonamide pollutants in the siderite/PDS system.