Activated carbon fiber loaded nano zero-valent iron for Microcystis aeruginosa removal: Performance and mechanisms

Cyanobacterial blooms caused by Microcystis aeruginosa threaten environmental safety and daily life. In this study, an activated carbon fiber-supported nano zero-valent iron composite (ACF-nZVI) was developed to remove Microcystis aeruginosa . The results showed that nZVI was evenly distributed on the activated carbon fibers, preventing aggregation and oxidation. ACF-nZVI achieved a removal efficiency of more than 90 % within a pH range of 3–7. During the reaction, H 2 O 2 , which was generated by Fe 0 , was activated to form · OH and · O – 2 , which dismantled antioxidant enzymes and induced lipid peroxidation. Additionally, ACF-nZVI destroyed the cell wall and membrane, resulting in protein and humus leakage and causing 92.34 % cell damage and death. In this study, an environmentally friendly and stable nanomaterial was developed, offering a novel approach for the safe, cost-effective, and efficient removal of cyanobacteria.