Efficient activation of peroxymonosulfate by a novel catalyst prepared directly from electrolytic manganese slag for degradation of recalcitrant organic pollutes

•This study developed a short-cut method for preparation of AOPs catalyst.•Phase transformation and active sites exposure facilitated the removal capacities.•Pre-adsorption was one of key steps to facilitate catalytic reaction.•Radical pathway played a dominant major role in LVF molecules decomposition. Preparations of catalysts for sulfate radicals-based advanced oxidation (SR-AOPs) are usually time-consuming and costly. This study developed a short-cut method for preparation of AOPs catalyst (MS-N3H) directly from electrolytic manganese slag. MS-N3H/PMS could effectively remove levofloxacin (LVF) from solution. Phase transformation and active sites exposure after modifications facilitated the adsorption and catalysis capacities. Both radical and non-radical pathway contributed to the degradation of LVF, in which abundant Mn and Fe on MS-N3H surface contributed to the generation of SO4−, OH and O2− radicals, and lattice oxygen played a crucial role in non-radical 1O2 production. The MS-N3H/PMS was stable for the degradation of LVF in different water matrixes and kept high recyclability even after four recycles. This study brought underlying insights to develop novel high-efficient and easy-preparing catalysts for the degradation of recalcitrant organic pollutes.