Activation of peroxymonosulfate by La2CuO4 perovskite for synergistic removal of Microcystis aeruginosa and microcystin-LR in harmful algal bloom impacted water

The cyanobacterial blooms induced water safety problems have attracted tremendous concerns due to the adverse influences on aqueous ecosystem and human health. This study developed a novel perovskite-type catalyst for heterogeneous peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation as an emergency measure to remove harmful algae. The results indicated that significant removal efficiency of Microcystis aeruginosa cells (97%) and chlorophyll-a (100%) was achieved within 20 min in La2CuO4/PMS system without significant release of dissolved organic carbon and metals in water. •OH, SO4•-, 1O2 and •O2- generated were all responsible for algae inactivation and subsequent algal organic matters removal. Moreover, the heterogeneous catalytic mechanism was proposed that La portion in La2CuO4 favored the cells destabilization by increasing zeta potential of algae suspension, while variable Cu portion facilitated the electron transfer to improve the yields of •OH and SO4•-. This study demonstrates that the new catalytic PMS process promises viable and effective control of harmful algal bloom impacts in water treatment.