Efficient degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons over OMS-2 nanorods via PMS activation

This study developed an efficient oxidative degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) using OMS-2 catalyst via PMS activation in aqueous solution. The effects of PMS concentration, OMS-2 dosage, pH and solution anions (CO32-, HCO3-, Cl-, NO3-, NO2-, and PO43-) on phenanthrene (PHE) removal have been investigated in the OMS-2/PMS system. The high PAHs removal efficiency (>99 %) could be maintained under optimal con-ditions. The inhibition effect of anions on PHE removal was highest in NO2- and PO43-, followed by Cl-, NO3- and CO32-, and lowest in HCO3-. The catalytic activity of OMS-2 for oxidative degradation did not decrease signifi-cantly after at least three cycles. Moreover, the performance of OMS-2/PMS system was investigated in real samples of tap water, Yellow river and Qinghai lake, and 68 %, 82 %, and 79 % PHE removal efficiency were obtained, respectively. Finally, the possible pathway of oxidation degradation of PHE was proposed. In conclusion, OMS-2/PMS system is a promising and cost-efficient method for treatment of PAHs in water and sewage.