Work

Evaluating and mitigating the adverse effects of halide ions on the sulfamethoxazole degradation in the Co2+/peroxymonosulfate process

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Halide ions are commonly found in aquaculture wastewater, yet their halide-specific influence on sulfamethoxazole (SMX) degradation kinetics within the Co2+/peroxymonosulfate (PMS) process remains poorly understood. This study systematically evaluated the impacts of halides, revealing that trace concentrations of Br− (0.05 mM) significantly enhanced SMX elimination kinetics, achieving rate constants ∼12 times higher than with Cl− (50 mM) and ∼4.5 times higher than in the baseline Co2+/PMS system. The significant enhancement observed with Br− is attributed to the selective singlet oxygen (1O2)-mediated oxidation of SMX. However, the formation of halogenated aromatic products and the ecotoxicity of dimeric by-products in the presence of Br− warranted attention. This adverse effect was effectively mitigated through the strategic addition of sulfamic acid (0.1 mM) as a selective inhibitor. A possible degradation pathway of SMX in the Co2+/PMS system was proposed. These findings establish a quantitative framework for optimizing the Co2+/PMS process, enabling effective degradation of sulfonamide antibiotics in halide-rich wastewater while minimizing ecotoxicological risks through targeted pathway control.

Source: Environmental Technology & Innovation

DOI: 10.1016/j.eti.2025.104674

Authors: Fei Yang, Zixuan Zhao, Ying Liu, Wenshan Guo, Xinbo Zhang

Institutions: Tianjin Chengjian University, University of Technology Sydney

Language: English

Topic: Advanced oxidation water treatment

Subfield: Water Science and Technology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Clean water and sanitation, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,930