New insight of zero-valent iron activation S(IV) in absence of external hydrogenation ions for decomposing micropollutants: Two radical generation pathways depending on O2

As one of the most promising advanced oxidation processes , the activation of S(IV) by iron-based materials to produce SO 4 •− has become a hot technology for the degradation of organic pollutants . However, the mechanism of radical chain reactions has not been clearly explored. Herein, we established a novel AOP system based on the combination of zero-valent iron (ZVI) and potassium pyrosulfite (PPS). Combined with the degradation trends of CBZ and the change of DO concentration, the system was proposed to be divided into a slow initiation stage in 5 min and a rapid degradation stage in 5 − 10 min. Through a series of quenching experiments, electron paramagnetic resonance tests and several probe experiments, the mechanisms of two radical chain reactions were proposed between ZVI and PPS: the first one produced O 2 •− and HO • , and the other produced SO 3 •− , SO 5 •− , SO 4 •− and HO • . The two-stage reaction and two radical production paths of the ZVI/PPS system were proposed for the first time, which provided theoretical guidance for the practical application of the ZVI/PPS system. The ZVI/PPS system has been found to have excellent environmental adaptability in the treatment of industrial wastewater .