A novel persulfate-photo-bioelectrochemical hybrid system promoting the degradation of refractory micropollutants at neutral pH

Bio-electro-Fenton is emerging as an alternative technology for the efficient and cost-effective removal of refractory micropollutants. Though promising, there are still several challenges that limit its wide application, including acidic operating conditions (pH at 2–3), addition supporting electrolytes (e.g., Na2SO4), issue iron sludge generation. To address these challenges, a novel hybrid persulfate-photo-bioelectrochemical (PPBEC) system proposed to remove model micropollutants (carbamazepine clorfibric acid), from secondary effluent low persulfate (PS) dosage neutral pH. The effect crucial parameters on process was studied, input voltage, cathodic aeration velocity, PS dose. Under optimal (0.6 V, 0.005 mL min?1 mL?1 1 mM), PPBEC achieved approx. 0.56–1.71 times greater micropollutant with 93% lower energy consumption when compared individual processes (UV/PS PBEC). improved performance attributed faster production sulfate radicals by UV irradiation, hydrogen peroxide activation single-electron reduction, hydroxyl generated irradiation. Furthermore, transformation products carbamazepine acid were identified probable pathways proposed. Finally, ecotoxicity treated assessed using Vibrio Fischeri, which exhibited non-toxic effect.