Efficient elimination of phenazone by an electro-assisted Fe-EDDS/PS process at neutral pH: Kinetics, mechanistic insights and toxicity evaluation.

The feasibility of the degradation of phenazone (PNZ), a common anti-inflammatory drug used for reducing pain and fever, in water at neutral pH by an electrochemically assisted Fe-ethylenediamine disuccinate-activated persulfate process (EC/Fe-EDDS/PS) was investigated. The efficient removal of PNZ at neutral pH condition was mainly attributed to the continuous activation of PS via electrochemically driven regenerated Fe from a Fe-EDDS complex at the cathode. The influence of several critical parameters, including current density, Fe concentration, EDDS to Fe molar ratio, and PS dosage, on PNZ degradation was evaluated and optimized.