PMS activation by natural pyrite for APAP degradation: Underlying mechanism and long-term removal of APAP

Abstract

Efficient acetaminophen (APAP) degradation in the natural pyrite/peroxymonosulfate (PMS) system under acidic conditions was observed. Approximately 88.8% of APAP degradation was attributed to sulfate radical and the remaining 11.2% of APAP degradation was attributed to singlet oxygen. Sequential experiments and XPS analysis showed that the rapid Fe(III)/Fe(II) cycle was attributed to the sulfur species at the surface of pyrite. Pyrite showed an excellent stability and reusability, which was successfully applied to long-term APAP removal. This study provides a new understanding of the mechanism in pyrite/PMS system and suggests a simply operative and cost-effective method to treat organic contaminants.