Magnetic attapulgite-Fe₃O₄ nanocomposites (ATP-Fe₃O₄) were prepared by coprecipitation of Fe₃O₄ on ATP. The composites were characterized by scanning electron microscopey, X-ray diffractometry, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, energy dispersive spectrometer and transmission electron microscopy. Surface characterization showed that Fe₃O₄ particles with an average size of approximately 15 nm were successfully embedded in matrix of ATP. The capacity of the Fe₃O₄-activated ATP (A-ATP@Fe₃O₄) composites for catalytic degradation of ethidium bromide (EtBr, 80 mg/L) at different pH values, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) concentrations, temperatures, and catalyst dosages was investigated. EtBr degradation kinetics studies indicated that the pseudo-first-order kinetic constant was 2.445 min^-1 at T = 323 K and pH 2.0 with 30 mM H₂O₂, and 1.5 g/L of A-ATP@Fe₃O₄. Moreover, a regeneration study suggested that A-ATP@Fe₃O₄ maintained over 80% of its maximal EtBr degradation ability after five successive cycles. The effects of the iron concentrations and free radical scavengers on EtBr degradation were studied to reveal possible catalytic mechanisms of the A-ATP@Fe₃O₄ nanocomposites. Electron Paramagnetic Resonance revealed both hydroxyl (∙OH) and superoxide anion (∙O₂^-) radicals were involved in EtBr degradation. Radical scavenging experiment suggested EtBr degradation was mainly ascribed to ∙OH radicals, which was generated by reaction between Fe²⁺ and H₂O₂ on the surface of A-ATP@Fe₃O₄.

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