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• A synergistic effect between BC/PMS and nZVI/PMS processes has been achieved. • ATZ removal of BC-nZVI/PMS was higher than that of BC-nZVI/H 2 O 2 or BC-nZVI/PS. • SO 4 − was the predominant radical species responsible for ATZ degradation. • ATZ was degraded through de-alkylation, dechlorination and hydroxylation processes. • A reaction mechanism of PMS activation by BC-nZVI for ATZ degradation was proposed. Over the past decade, herbicides contaminated soil poses a serious threat to humans and environment. In this study, a novel biochar supported zero valent iron (BC-nZVI) was used as a heterogeneous catalyst activating peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for the removal of herbicide atrazine (ATZ) from soil. The results revealed that the removal of ATZ by BC-nZVI/PMS process was superior to that of BC/PMS or nZVI/PMS process. A synergistic effect between BC/PMS and nZVI/PMS processes has been successfully achieved in BC-nZVI/PMS process, and nearly 96% of ATZ removal was obtained at optimum reaction conditions. BC-nZVI/PMS process exhibited an excellent performace on ATZ removal compared with BC-nZVI/H 2 O 2 or BC-nZVI/persulfate (PS) process. PMS decomposition by BC-nZVI/PMS process was higher than the sum of BC/PMS and nZVI/PMS processes. A low Cu concentration accelerated ATZ removal, and Cu was also effectively immobilized. SO 4 − was the predominant reactive oxygen species responsible for ATZ degradation, and OH and 1O 2 also took part in reaction. Four kinds of ATZ degradation products were identified, and ATZ degradation could be achieved through de-alkylation, dechlorination and hydroxylation processes. A reaction mechanism of PMS activation by BC-nZVI was proposed based on the synergistic effect of BC and nZVI. In addition to ATZ, coexisting pollutants such as 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP), Cu and Cd were also simultaneously removed from soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a green zero-valent iron-loaded carbon composite (ZVI-SCG) was synthesized using coffee grounds and FeCl3 solution through two-steps method, and the synthesized ZVI-SCG was used in the activation of peroxydisulfate (PDS) to degrade Levofloxacin (LEX). Results revealed that ZVI-SCG exhibited a great potential for LEX removal by adsorption and catalytic degradation in the ZVI-SCG/PDS system, and 99% of LEX was removed in the ZVI-SCG/PDS system within 60 min. ZVI-SCG/PDS system showed a high reactivity toward LEX degradation under realistic environmental conditions. Also, the ZVI-SCG/PDS system could effectively degrade several quinolone antibiotics including gatifloxacin, ciprofloxacin and LEX in single and simultaneous removal modes. A potential reaction mechanism of LEX degradation by ZVI-SCG/PDS system was proposed, SO 4 •−, HO•, O 2 •- and 1O 2 involved in radical and non-radical pathways took part in catalytic degradation of LEX by ZVI-SCG/PDS system, but HO• might be the main reactive species for LEX degradation. The possible degradation pathway of LEX was also proposed based on the identified ten intermediate products, LEX degradation was successfully achieved through decarboxylation, opening ring and hydroxylation processes. The potential toxicity of LEX and its oxidation products decreased significantly after treatment. This study provides a promising strategy of water treatment for the antibiotics-containing wastewater. [Display omitted] • A green zero-valent iron-loaded carbon composite (ZVI-SCG) was synthesized. • ZVI-SCG/PDS system reveals high adsorption and catalytic degradation capacity for LEX. • The radical (SO 4 •−, HO• and O 2 •−) and the non-radical (1O 2) were involved in LEX degradation. • The degradation mechanism of LEX in the ZVI-SCG/PDS system was proposed. • Toxicity of LEX reaction solution decreased significantly after treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]