Insights into the Degradation and Mechanism of the Enhanced Persulfate Degradation of Tetracycline using an Efficient 3D Copper Metal–Organic Frameworks

One 3D Cu-based metal–organic frameworks (Cu-MOFs) was prepared by hydrothermal method as a catalyst for activating persulfate to degrade tetracycline. The degradation efficiency of TC was investigated under various conditions including catalyst dosage, pH, and persulfate concentration. The effects of these factors on the degradation efficiency were examined and discussed in detail. Cu-MOFs/PS catalytic systems can degrade 96% of TC under suitable conditions. The quenching experiments showed that there are both free radical and non-free radical pathways in TC degradation, with singlet-line substitution of oxygen playing a major role. The stability of the material structure was explored through cyclic experiments. The degradation pathway of TC was investigated through the analysis of intermediate products. Additionally, the toxicity of these intermediate products was evaluated using toxicity analysis software.