The catalytic activity of different Mn(III) species towards peroxymonosulfate activation for carbamazepine degradation

In this study, the catalytic activity of soluble Mn(III) ions, soluble Mn(III)-pyrophosphate (PP), and solid Mn(III) (α-MnO 2 ) towards peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation was investigated through carbamazepine (CBZ) degradation. The degradation efficiency of CBZ was negligible when soluble Mn(III) ions or Mn(III)-PP were used as catalysts, while 99.7% of CBZ was degraded in the α-MnO 2 /PMS system with no soluble Mn(III) ions detected. The degradation efficiency of CBZ reduced by 18% with the solid Mn(III) content decreasing. Hence, the solid Mn(III) made the major contribution to PMS activation. This study supported a better understanding of the role of Mn(III) in PMS activation.