Sustainable Remediation of Polyethylene Microplastics via a Magnetite-Activated Electro-Fenton System: Enhancing Persulfate Efficiency for Eco-Friendly Pollution Mitigation

Weimin Gao, Tian Tian, Xiangju Cheng (), Dantong Zhu and Lirong Yuan ()
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Weimin Gao: School of Civil Engineering and Transportation, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
Tian Tian: School of Civil Engineering and Transportation, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
Xiangju Cheng: School of Civil Engineering and Transportation, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
Dantong Zhu: School of Civil Engineering and Transportation, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
Lirong Yuan: School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University & Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519082, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 8, 1-15

Abstract: Polyethylene microplastics (PE MPs) pose a severe threat to aquatic ecosystems and human health, demanding urgent, sustainable remediation strategies. While the electro-Fenton process is widely used for treating refractory pollutants in wastewater, its standalone application remains inadequate for PE MPs due to their stable chemical structure and complex molecular chains. This study introduces a green and sustainable magnetite-activated persulfate electro-Fenton (Mt-PS-EF) system designed to address these limitations while aligning with circular-economy principles. By synergizing Fe₃O₄ catalysis, persulfate activation, and electrochemical processes, the Mt-PS-EF system achieves efficient PE MP degradation through hydroxyl (·OH) and sulfate (SO₄·⁻) radical-driven oxidation. Under optimized conditions (60 mg/L PE, 40 mM persulfate, 150 mg Fe 3 O₄, 20 h treatment), a 90.6% degradation rate was attained, with PE MPs undergoing chain scission, surface erosion, and release of low-molecular-weight organics. Crucially, the magnetic property of magnetite facilitated the recovery and reuse of the catalyst, significantly reducing material costs and minimizing waste generation. By integrating catalytic efficiency with resource recovery, this work advances scalable, eco-friendly solutions for microplastic pollution mitigation, directly contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 6 (Clean Water) and 14 (Life Below Water). The findings highlight the potential of hybrid electro-Fenton technologies in achieving sustainable wastewater treatment and plastic waste management.

Keywords: polyethylene microplastics (PE MPs); magnetite-activated persulfate (Mt-PS-EF); hydroxyl radicals (·OH); sulfate radicals (SO 4 · − ); catalyst recovery; sustainable wastewater treatment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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