A continuous-flow catalytic process with natural hematite-alginate beads for effective water decontamination and disinfection: Peroxymonosulfate activation leading to dominant sulfate radical and minor non-radical pathways

A natural, ferruginous material, Hormuz Red Soil (HRS), was used as a catalyst for decontamination and disinfection via PMS activation. The HRS fully characterized (morphological, structural, chemical properties) mainly comprised of ?-Fe2O3. Complete degradation 88.6% mineralization Diclofenac (DCF) achieved in the HRS/PMS process (10 mg/L HRS, 75 PMS) within 8 min at neutral pH, while sulfate chloride did not inhibit process. E. coli Enterococcus sp. were rapidly inactivated shorter timeframe than DCF. rapid purification attributed to SO4?-, less 1O2 almost insignificant HO? participation; mechanisms transformation pathways elucidated by scavenging tests/EPR, LC/MS, respectively. Considering potential applications, supported on alginate beads (HRSB), maintaining high activity reusability (x5 reuse). Finally, continuous-flow, packed-bed with HRSB/PMS assessed, where DCF reached 2 HRT.