Recent advances of antibiotics degradation in different environment by iron-based catalysts activated persulfate: A review

Antibiotics pose significant threats to the ecological environment. The advanced oxidation process based on persulfate is extremely effective on removing antibiotic contamination, and iron-based catalysts become powerful assistants for activating persulfate. This article summarizes the latest research progress of iron-based catalyst activated persulfate system for the degradation of antibiotic pollutants in different environments. The activation mechanism and degradation performance of common iron-based catalysts were described and evaluated. Especially in the sludge medium, the degradation behavior of antibiotics and the effect on sludge properties during the degradation process were analyzed. How the persulfate/iron-based catalyst dosage, pH value, common anions and metal cations, as well as organic matter acted on the degradation process were evaluated comprehensively. In addition, different antibiotics' degradation mechanisms and general reaction sites are summarized. Finally, some ideas and suggestions are put forward for the application of iron-based catalyst activated persulfate system in the removal of antibiotics in sludge and soil.