Heterogeneous electro-Fenton using three-dimension NZVI-BC electrodes for degradation of neonicotinoid wastewater

Neonicotinoids (NEOs), as the most widely used pesticides, pose a serious threat to water ecosystems, especially clothianidin (CLO). However, the degradation behavior of CLO, as a new type of persistent organic pollutant, is rarely studied in wastewater treatment. To bridge this gap, heterogeneous electro-Fenton system using three-dimension electrodes made of biochar-supported zero-valent iron nanoparticle hybrid material (NZVI-BC), abbreviated as 3D-ICE-EF system, is invented and initially applied in CLO wastewater degradation, without the addition of Fenton reagent. NZVI-BC in 3D-ICE-EF system can concentrate CLO on electrodes by excellent adsorption and effectively eliminate it to achieve self-cleaning effect. In addition, the deposition of iron mud (Fe(OH)₃) and the circular utilization of Fe in Fenton system is effectively improved by the addition of hydroquinone (HQ) in 3D-ICE-EF system. The pH applicable scope of Fenton system is extended to alkaline condition by the applications of NZVI-BC electrodes. The increase in the acidity of electrolyte is considered the primary reason of the high degradation efficiency of CLO in 3D-ICE-EF system at an initial pH of 9.0. The degradation performance of 3D-ICE-EF system tends to be promoted by the increase of current intensity and air flow rate. Seven plausible mechanisms of CLO degradation were identified in 3D-ICE-EF system. The ecotoxicity evaluation of degradation products indicated that CLO degradation in 3D-ICE-EF system exhibits a remarkable tendency to reduce toxicity levels.