Novel insights into the mechanism of periodate activation by heterogeneous ultrasonic-enhanced sludge biochar: Relevance for efficient degradation of levofloxacin

Liuyang He; Shangding Yang; Shitai Shen; Yongfei Ma; Yulin Chen; Jianming Xue; Jia Wang; Li Zheng; Li Wu; Zulin Zhang; Lie Yang

doi:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128860

Novel insights into the mechanism of periodate activation by heterogeneous ultrasonic-enhanced sludge biochar: Relevance for efficient degradation of levofloxacin

J Hazard Mater. 2022 Jul 15:434:128860. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128860. Epub 2022 Apr 6.

Authors

Liuyang He¹, Shangding Yang¹, Shitai Shen¹, Yongfei Ma¹, Yulin Chen¹, Jianming Xue², Jia Wang³, Li Zheng⁴, Li Wu¹, Zulin Zhang⁵, Lie Yang⁶

Affiliations

¹ Hubei Key Laboratory of Mineral Resources Processing and Environment, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, PR China.
² New Zealand Forest Research Institute (Scion), Forest System, POB 29237, Christchurch 8440, New Zealand; College of Biology and the Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, PR China.
³ School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, PR China.
⁴ Wuhan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430065, PR China.
⁵ Hubei Key Laboratory of Mineral Resources Processing and Environment, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, PR China; The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen ABI5 8QH, UK.
⁶ Hubei Key Laboratory of Mineral Resources Processing and Environment, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, PR China. Electronic address: yanglie612@whut.edu.cn.

PMID: 35427969
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128860

Abstract

In this study, a novel heterogeneous ultrasonic (US)-enhanced sludge biochar (SBC) activated periodate (PI) system was established and explored for the rapid removal of levofloxacin in the aqueous environment. This study focused on the mechanisms of US-enhanced SBC co-activation of PI for levofloxacin degradation. The results indicated that US and SBC exhibited a remarkable synergistic reinforcing activation effect on PI compared to single PI activation systems. The SBC/US/PI system achieved approximately 95% of levofloxacin removal, 51.5% of TOC removal, and 22% of dechlorination rate within 60 min with virtually no heavy metals released into the water matrix. In addition, the acute ecotoxicity of the solutions treated with the SBC/US/PI system was substantially reduced. The presence of IO₃^•, ^•OH, ¹O₂ and O₂^•- were identified in the SBC/US/PI system using quenching experiments and EPR technology while ^•OH and ¹O₂ were the predominant reactive species. Mechanistic studies have suggested that the cavitation effect of ultrasonic improved the dispersion and mass transfer efficiency of SBC and accelerated the desorption process of SBC. Possible pathways of levofloxacin degradation were proposed. This study provides a novel and promising strategy for the efficient removal of emerging contaminants such as antibiotics from the water matrix.

Keywords: Heterogeneous; Levofloxacin; Periodate; Sludge biochar; Ultrasonic.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Charcoal
Levofloxacin
Periodic Acid
Sewage*
Ultrasonics
Water
Water Pollutants, Chemical* / analysis

Substances

Sewage
Water Pollutants, Chemical
biochar
Water
Periodic Acid
Charcoal
Levofloxacin
metaperiodate