Activation of peroxymonosulfate by an Enteromorpha prolifera derived biochar supported CoFe2O4 catalyst for highly efficient lomefloxacin hydrochloride degradation under a wide pH range

Heterogeneous catalysts with high-activity and wide pH tolerance are urgently needed for water pollutant degradation. In this work, CoFe2O4-loaded biochar prepared from the marine biomass Enteromorpha prolifera (CFO@EPBC) was successfully developed as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for the degradation of lomefloxacin hydrochloride (LMH) by activating peroxymonosulfate (PMS). The crystalline structure, porous structure and surface chemistry of CFO@EPBC were characterized. The catalytic performance of CFO@EPBC activated PMS for the decomposition of LMH was estimated, and the reusability, stability and applicability of CFO@EPBC were also evaluated. The results showed that CFO@EPBC displayed 35.2-, 3.7- and 6.6-times degradation rates (kobs) towards LMH than that of EPBC, CoFe2O4 and EPBC + CoFe2O4, respectively, demonstrating remarkable synergistic interaction between EPBC and CoFe2O4. More importantly, excellent catalytic ability of the CFO@EPBC/PMS system for LMH degradation under a wide initial pH range (3–11) was observed due to a suitable pHzpc of catalysts. Also, CFO@EPBC showed a good application prospect for treating LMH in different types of water matrixes (river water and seawater). Reactive oxygen species (SO4·−, ·OH, ·O−2 and 1O2) produced marked effects during the degradation process, while the radical process played a dominant role. This study also demonstrates a typical case for turning trash into treasure using Enteromorpha prolifera, providing a new idea for the value-added transformation of other similar bio-wastes.