N-doped catalysts built by iron-based metal-organic framework efficiently activated peroxymonosulfate for the tetracycline degradation

Tetracycline, one of the most commonly used antibiotics, has emerged as a critical concern in water pollution treatment. N-doped iron-based catalysts were prepared by one-step pyrolysis with MIL-101 (Fe) as precursors in this study. The effects of doping ratio, material dosage, anions and other factors on the degradation efficiency of tetracycline were investigated. In best conditions, the removal rate of tetracycline has reached 91%, which was attributed to the synergistic effect of free radical (i.e., SO4 center dot-, center dot OH) and non free radical pathways (i.e., O-1(2)). And the ion leaching of N doped catalysts was investigated. The iron ion leaching was maintained at a relatively low level. Then, LC-MS was used to study the pathway of tetracycline degradation. ECOSAR assessments had demonstrated that tetracycline and its intermediates exhibited significantly reduced levels of acute toxicity, developmental toxicity, and mutagenicity. These studies indicated that the derivative of N-doped iron-based MOFs was a highly promising, environmentally friendly catalyst for practical wastewater treatment applications.

Automated summary

This study investigated the degradation of tetracycline in water using N-doped iron-based catalysts, and explored the factors affecting the degradation efficiency. The results showed that the catalyst achieved a removal rate of 91% under optimal conditions, and LC-MS analysis revealed the degradation pathway. Additionally, ECOSAR assessments demonstrated a significant reduction in the acute toxicity, developmental toxicity, and mutagenicity of tetracycline and its intermediates. Therefore, the derivative of N-doped iron-based MOFs was identified as a highly promising and environmentally friendly catalyst for practical wastewater treatment applications.