Rapid decolorisation of dyeing wastewater by FeIII(2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine)activated peroxymonosulphate

The discharge of coloured textile printing and dyeing wastewater causes environmental pollution. Disposing of wastewater efficiently, simply and with low consumption, is a problem that must be addressed. Herein, a catalytic method for rapid decolorisation of organic dyes was devised employing a terpyridine iron complex to activate oxidised permonosulphate. CI Acid Red 1 was used as the simulated pollutant, the influences of operating parameters on the fading effects of wastewater were explored. According to the results, the produced catalytic system exhibits a universal catalytic effect. Even when the dye concentration reaches 76.4 mg/L, the dyeing wastewater may be effectively decolorised. In addition, when anions (HCO₃⁻, SO₄²⁻, Cl⁻) were present in the solution, the degradation effect of CI Acid Red 1 was still effective. Interestingly, active species such as sulphate radicals and singlet oxygen were detected in the catalytic degradation system by radical capture experiments. The removal rate of total organic carbon can achieve a percentage of 26.22% in 2 hours. This research provides a unique, enzyme-like catalytic system for the rapid breakdown of dye contaminants.