Epigallocatechin gallate boosted Fe(II) activated peracetic acid process for coumarin degradation: Performance and mechanisms investigation

Abstract

The Fe(II)/peracetic acid (PAA) process shows significant potential for the removal of organic pollutants due to the rapid reaction between Fe(II) and PAA. However, the slow reduction from Fe(III) to Fe(II) leads to the continuous or excess dosing of Fe(II) during practical application. In this study, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a typical reagent extracted from green tea, was used to enhance the degradation of coumarin (COU) by Fe(II)/PAA for the first time. A complete elimination of COU (25 μM) was achieved in the presence of 50 μM Fe(II), 300 μM PAA, and 25 μM EGCG, exhibiting a kobs value of 0.108 min−1, which was 27 times higher than that observed with Fe(II)/PAA (0.004 min−1). Further, Fe(II)/EGCG/PAA demonstrated remarkable pH tolerance, with a COU removal efficiency exceeding 80 % across a pH range of 3–9. Mechanisms investigations revealed that •OH played a dominant role in COU degradation by Fe(II)/EGCG/PAA (accounting for 98.2 %). The increase in EGCG concentration from 10 to 100 μM resulted in a decreased formation of •OH yield and an enhanced generation of RO•. These findings highlight the capability of EGCG to improve the oxidation capacity of Fe(II)/PAA and modulate reactive species formation. The outstanding oxidation capacity and environmental friendliness of Fe(II)/EGCG/PAA process render it a potential strategy to eliminate organic pollutants in actual water treatment.