Degradation of 2,4-dinitrotoluene using ferrous activated persulfate: Kinetics, mechanisms, and effects of natural water matrices

The sulfate radicals (SO4•−)-based advanced oxidation process is an efficient way to degrade stubborn pollutants. However, the degradation products of 2,4-dinitrotoluene and effects different natural water matrices on by persulfate/Fe2+ are largely unknown. In this study, kinetics were investigated in matrices. can be divided into rapid-slow reaction stages, which was suitably described pseudo-first-order model (R2 > 0.95). concentrations persulfate Fe2+ had a significant effect degradation, molar ratio < 5:1 favorable for degradation. Based intermediate products, pathways 2,4-dinitrotoluene, such as hydroxylation/oxidation removal nitro group from benzene ring, proposed. presence HCO3−, CO32−, NO3− inhibited persulfate/Fe2+. aquatic environments with low Cl− concentrations, demonstrated superior efficiency degrading 2,4-dinitrotoluene. present results will provide vital information successfully cleaning up environment using SO4•−-based process.