A1 Journal article (refereed)
Ibuprofen degradation using a Co-doped carbon matrix derived from peat as a peroxymonosulphate activator (2021)

Ren, Z., Romar, H., Varila, T., Xu, X., Wang, Z., Sillanpää, M., & Leiviskä, T. (2021). Ibuprofen degradation using a Co-doped carbon matrix derived from peat as a peroxymonosulphate activator. Environmental Research, 193, Article 110564. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2020.110564

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Ren, Zhongfei; Romar, Henrik; Varila, Toni; Xu, Xing; Wang, Zhao; Sillanpää, Mika; Leiviskä, Tiina

Journal or series: Environmental Research

ISSN: 0013-9351

eISSN: 1096-0953

Publication year: 2021

Volume: 193

Article number: 110564

Publisher: Elsevier

Publication country: United States

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2020.110564

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/73134

Abstract

The wider presence of pharmaceuticals and personal care products in nature is a major cause for concern in society. Among pharmaceuticals, the anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen has commonly been found in aquatic and soil environments. We produced a Co-doped carbon matrix (Co-P 850) through the carbonization of Co2+ saturated peat and used it as a peroxymonosulphate activator to aid ibuprofen degradation. The properties of Co-P 850 were analysed using field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy filtered transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The characterization results showed that Co/Fe oxides were generated and tightly embedded into the carbon matrix after carbonization. The degradation results indicated that high temperature and slightly acidic to neutral conditions (pH = 5 to 7.5) promoted ibuprofen degradation efficiency in the Co-P 850/peroxymonosulphate system. Analysis showed that approx. 52% and 75% of the dissolved organic carbon was removed after two hours and five hours of reaction time, respectively. Furthermore, the existence of chloride and bicarbonate had adverse effects on the degradation of ibuprofen. Quenching experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance analysis confirmed that SO4·-, ·OH and O2·- radicals together contributed to the high ibuprofen degradation efficiency. In addition, we identified 13 degradation intermediate compounds and an ibuprofen degradation pathway by mass spectrometry analysis and quantum computing. Based on the results and methods presented in this study, we propose a novel way for the synthesis of a Co-doped catalyst from spent NaOH-treated peat and the efficient catalytic degradation of ibuprofen from contaminated water.

Keywords: waste water treatment; water purification; medicinal substances; ibuprofen; disintegration; oxidation (active); catalysts; oxides; activated carbon; peat

Free keywords: advanced oxidation process; carbon-based catalyst; cobalt oxides; ibuprofen; pharmaceuticals and personal care products

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

VIRTA submission year: 2021

JUFO rating: 2