Effect of the cathode material on the efficiency of the electro-Fenton process to remove pefloxacin. Kinetics and oxidation products

The effect of the electro-Fenton process depends on the ability of the cathode material to produce H 2 O 2 , a primary oxidizing agent that is responsible for destroying organic pollutants. The study aimed at the impact of various cathode materials, including carbon felt, carbon graphite, and stainless steel, as well as current density on the electrochemical oxidation of pefloxacin (PEF) in water. The electro-Fenton technique was applied for the first time on the PEF employing various cathodes with a platinum anode. HPLC and LC-(MS-MS) studies have been utilized to determine intermediate compounds. Using ion chromatography, inorganic ions released in the solution as a final stage of the mineralizing process were determined. Finally, we assessed the viability of fusing the biological process with the electro-Fenton one. As a result, PEF-contaminated water can be treated effectively and cheaply.