Phenol removal kinetics from synthetic wastewater by activation of persulfate using a catalyst generated from shipping ports sludge

Disposal sludges from shipping docks contain elements that have the potential to catalyze the desired treatment process. The current work was designed to decompose phenol from wastewater by activation peroxymonosulfate (PMS) using a catalyst made from sea sediments (at 400 °C for 3 h). The catalyst had a crystalline form and contained metal oxides. The parameters of pH (3–9), catalyst dose (0–80 mg/L), phenol concentration (50–250 mg/L), and PMS dose (0–250 mg/L) were tested to specify the favorable phenol removal. The phenol removal of 99% in the waste sludge catalyst/PMS system was achieved at pH 5, catalyst quantity of 30 mg/L, phenol content of 50 mg/L, PMS dose of 150 mg/L, and reaction time of 150 min. From the results, it was implied that the pH factor was more important in removing phenol with the studied system than other factors. By-products and phenol decomposition pathways were also provided. The results showed that the sea sediment catalyst/PMS system is a vital alternative for removing phenol from wastewater medium. •A sea sediment catalyst was applied to activate persulfate and remove phenol.•The crystallite size of fresh catalyst was calculated to be 103.4 nm.•99% phenol was removed at pH5, catalyst dose of 30 mg/L, and contact time of 150min.•The effect of anions, cations, and organic matter on phenol removal was studied.•The decomposition path of phenol was investigated by the studied system.