Oxytetracycline (OTC) toxicity poses a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems, necessitating measures for effective degradation. This study investigates the use of Fe-Cu-Mo-doped peanut shell hydrochar (Fe/Cu/Mo@HC) as a peroxymonosulfate activator for OTC degradation. The composite was characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area analysis. The catalytic performance of Fe-Cu-Mo-HC showed high degradation efficiency (∼99.9 % for OTC) and exceptional efficiency when coupled with ultrasound (∼99 % degradation within 30 min). Optimal conditions were determined as pH 9, Fe-Cu-Mo@HC dosage of 10 mg/ml, PMS concentration of 1 mM, and temperature of 40 °C. Both radical and non-radical pathways were involved in the degradation of OTC. The Fe/Cu/Mo@HC composite demonstrated good reusability, maintaining ∼78 % degradation efficiency after five cycles. Toxicity analysis using Scenedesmus obliquus indicated reduced toxicity in post-degradation samples, ensuring environmental safety. This study showcases the potential of Fe/Cu/Mo@HC as a sustainable PMS activator for efficient OTC degradation, contributing to environmental remediation efforts and highlighting the importance of green technology in pollution control.
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