The effect of complexation with metal ions on tetracycline degradation by Fe2+/3+ and Ru3+ activated peroxymonosulfate

The possible effect of complexation of tetracycline (TC) with metal ions on the degradation of TC by homogeneous activated peroxymonosulfate (PMS) was investigated. The oxidation kinetics of TC indicated the differences in PMS activation ability by Fe 2+/3+ and Ru 3+ . Fe 2+/3+ could activate PMS to generate HO• and SO 4 - • as is known, while Ru 3+ promoted the generation of 1 O 2 from PMS, though 1 O 2 may be not the only and dominant oxidant. The stronger complex ability of Ru 3+ and Fe 3+ with TC than Fe 2+ contributed to the enhanced oxidation of TC in Fe 3+ /PMS and Ru 3+ /PMS systems. The complexation facilitated TC degradation possibly due to the electron reconfiguration of metal ions and TC, such as reduce the stability of -C–C- double bands in TC structures and made it more vulnerable. The complexation reactions were commonly occurred but ignored in metal species activated PMS systems, the findings in this study suggested that the interaction between metal ions and organic contaminants should be reconsidered and utilized in the development of AOPs.