Enhanced degradation of tetracycline over FeS-based Fenton-like process: Autocatalytic decomposition of H2O2 and reduction of Fe(III)

This study constructed a FeS-based Fenton-like process to explore the degradation of TTC in the presence of copper ions. The acidic condition of pH 3 was more favorable to the H2O2 decomposition and TTC degradation, and it was slightly enhanced by Cu(II). The production of •OH from H2O2 was revealed through radical scavenging and benzoic acid probe experiments, and the ratio of H2O2 decomposition to •OH production was about 1–1.5, which is comparatively consistent with the theoretical ratio. FeS-based Fenton process was proved to be a homogenous system, the slow release of Fe(II) source and the autocatalytic cycle of Fe(III) to Fe(II) resulting from the reductive species of TTC and dissolved S(-II) improved the production of •OH and the degradation of TTC, which was proved by comparing TTC degradation, TOC removal, H2O2 decomposition and Fe(II) concentration with different iron sources (FeS, Fe(II) and Fe(III)) and external addition of dissolved S(-II). The possible degradation pathways of TTC were subsequently inferred according to the detected products by LC-MS. Understanding these autocatalytic processes is essential to reveal the transformation of redox-active substances in environments and may have potential significance in applying FeS-based Fenton-like process for the treatment of wastewater containing reductive organic matters. [Display omitted] •H2O2 is efficiently activated by FeS to degrade TTC at pH 3.•The stoichiometric ratio of decomposed H2O2 to produced ·OH is about 1–1.5.•TTC and S(-II) promote H2O2 decomposition by enhancing the Fe(III)/Fe(II) cycle.•The autocatalytic reduction of Fe(III) to Fe(II) enhances TTC degradation.