| A novel application of maghemite nanoparticles embedded activated carbon (γ-Fe2O3@AC), as a mesoporous heterojunction composite, coupled with UV light was used for enhanced activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for degradation of cyfluthrin insecticide. The performance of γ-Fe2O3@AC/UV/PMS system was assessed as affected by different concentrations of PMS, catalyst and pollutant, pH of aqueous media, reaction time, co-exiting water matrix components and trapping agents. A tentative mechanism was proposed for the PMS decomposition and reactive species production in both solid and liquid phases. Catalytic activity of γ-Fe2O3@AC in the PMS decomposition was enhanced significantly when it coupled with UV light. In optimal conditions (pH 4.0, PMS 4.0 mM, 0.4 g/L catalyst, C0 = 60 mg/L and time 80 min), the efficiency rates of 88.5 and 52.4% were achieved for degradation and mineralization of cyfluthrin, respectively. The degradation rate affected by matrix anions was reduced in order of HCO3− > NO3− > Cl− > SO42−. Cycling tests displayed the negligible iron leaching and high recyclability for γ-Fe2O3@AC within 5 times use. A strong synergistic effect was observed between applied techniquess in the activation of PMS. Pseudo-first-order kinetic model represented a significant correlation with the experimental data of degradation process. Among detected free radicals, SO4•− species had a conquer role in catalytic oxidative degradation process. γ-Fe2O3@AC/UV/PMS system showed an excellent performance in treatment of simulated real water and wastewater samples. Generally, coupling of γ-Fe2O3@AC and UV for improving PMS activation can be introduced as a successful and efficient approach to catalytic degradation of organic matters owing to tremendous catalytic activity, easy recovery, high stability and reusability potential and the generation of various reactive free species simultaneously. |