L’électrochimie (EC) couplée à la spectrométrie de masse (MS) tend à devenir une technique de choix lors de l’étude et la prédiction des métabolites de différents types de substances. La possibilité de reproduire artificiellement par de l’instrumentation les étapes d’oxydation du métabolisme de médicaments est une des avenues intéressantes pour l’étude du devenir des contaminants émergents présents dans l’environnement. Le projet suivant vise à augmenter les connaissances sur les produits de transformation des composés émergents susceptibles d’être retrouvés dans l’environnement et sur les transformations électrochimiques de médicaments modèles. Une approche électrochimique avec potentiel contrôlé pour l’étude des produits de transformation de différents médicaments suivis d’une analyse par UPLC-QTOF-MS est présentée.

Suwannee River fulvic acid (SRFA) and humic acid (SRHA) were used as dissolved organic matter (DOM) and were applied to probe the effect of DOM. Addition of DOM resulted in decreased first order rate constants for all species selected. The inhibition became more significant as the hydrophobicity of the species increased. The decrease could not be simply attributed to the binding of hydrophobic species to DOM. This can be explained by the physical isolation of iron (II), which binds to hydrophilic sites of DOM and is the hydroxyl radical generation site, from hydrophobic pollutants which bind to hydrophobic sites of DOM. Accordingly, species which could compete agains t this physical isolation by DOM and bring iron (II) closer to target species could increase the degradation rates. This was observed with application of carboxymethyl-ß-cyclodextrin (CMßCD). Effects from concentration, structure of the target species and acidity etc., were studied. The increased degradation rates were observed even in the presence of DOM. Studies on ternary complexes of hydrophobic pollutants, iron (II) and CMßCD were carried with ESMS, UV and Fluorescence experiments and further calix[6]arene derivatives. Along with the fact that CMßCD can increase the solubility of hydrophobic species and remove them from contaminated sites, this indicates a potential application to in-situ degradation systems. Initial two -phase studies were carried out with quartz sand deposited with polycholobiphenyl (PCBs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Successful degradations were observed with PCBs but not PAHs. The difference is attributed to the slow equilibrium of sorbed PAHs with dissolved CMßCD and the higher PAH loading used in these experiments. A halide sensor-molecule (1, 8-diphenylureaylnaphthalene), which performs with increasing fluorescence in the presence of fluoride and decreasing fluorescence with all other halides, was synthesized and reported. Studies using NMR and computer modeling with SPARTAN were carried out to compare the sensor-molecule with an analog, 2, 3-diphenylureaylnaphthalene. Both studies indicated that only fluoride can be accommodated in the space between the urea group protons to form a strong interaction. The sensor-molecule could to lead to improved sensors that overcome limitations with current fluorescence-quenching based anion sensors.

In the onset of many chronic illnesses including Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and cardiovascular diseases, there is evidence to support the delicate balance between prooxidant and antioxidant species is shifted in favor of the former. Under these conditions, many reactive oxygen species (ROS) including hydroxyl radicals, are generated. Hydroxyl radicals formed in close proximity to DNA, nucleotides, proteins, and lipids rapidly oxidize these biological molecules in a nonspecific way. However, their toxicity is limited by their short lifetimes. Currently, the mechanism by which hydroxyl radicals are involved in the onset of many illnesses, particularly with regard to lipid peroxidation, has yielded some controversy in the literature. Conventional studies which generate hydroxyl radicals with Fenton chemistry through bolus additions of iron and hydrogen peroxide do not mimic conditions found physiologically because there is a steady-state concentration of hydrogen peroxide concentration found in normal cellular systems. Also, former reports that used fluorescent fatty acids or free probes intercalated within liposomal membranes did not have the probes covalently attached to the phospholipids making up the liposomes. Thus, the actual placement of the probes over the analysis time may vary with experimental conditions. The objective of this research project was to prepare, characterize, and employ liposomes as models for cell membranes during free radical oxidation. Also, compared to the popularly-used technique of electron spin resonance, (ESR), our aim was to use a fluorescence-based approach which yielded the advantages of high sensitivity, fast analysis time, and less expensive equipment requirements. Degradation of fluorescently-tagged liposomes with probes covalently bound to the phospholipids was correlated with the ability of hydroxyl radicals and other possible reactive oxygen species to penetrate into the liposomes to deeper into the lipophilic layer. However, alone this experimental setup may not fully define the mechanistic role of hydroxyl radicals in lipid oxidation. Thus, a complementary approach embracing the use of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, lipophilic scavenger studies, and the effects of cholesterol and temperature allow a deeper understanding of the radically-driven oxidation of lipids. It was determined that hydroxyl radicals were generated and reacted with three fluorescent probes.

L’obtention de nanoparticules d’or nécessite le contrôle de nombreux paramètres et la compréhension du mode d’interaction entre l’or et le support. Pour cela, le choix du support est très important. Le premier volet de la thèse concerne la préparation contrôlée des catalyseurs à base d’or supporté sur les oxydes mésoporeux réductibles TiO₂, CeO₂ et Fe₂O₃ synthétisés via deux stratégies Soft et hard template en utilisant respectivement comme agents structurants le tribloc copolymère (Pluronic 123) et la silice mésoporeuse SBA-15. Les différentes techniques de caractérisation mettent bien en évidence que le taux de dépôt de l’or dépend de la concentration initiale de HAuCl₄, de la méthode de préparation (DPU, DP NaOH), de la teneur en or visée et de la nature du support ; Ces résultats sont à relier à la spéciation des espèces or en solution en fonction du pH final de la solution. Les taux de dépôt de l’or sont plus importants sur CeO₂ et ceci quelle que soit la teneur en or visée dans ce travail. Une dispersion très élevée est obtenue (la taille moyenne des particules d’or est de 2nm) sur les catalyseurs à 1% et 2%Au/CeO₂ préparés par la méthode DPU et calcinés à 400°C. Le deuxième volet de cette étude concerne l’oxydation en phase gaz d’une molécule organique modèle le toluène et l’oxydation en phase liquide d’une molécule organique modèle le phénol par des réactions de type Fenton et photo Fenton. Dans l’oxydation du toluène en phase gazeuse, les catalyseurs à base d’or supportés sur oxydes mésoporeux sont totalement sélectifs en CO₂ et H₂O. Les performances catalytiques dépendent des conditions de synthèse des catalyseurs et de la nature de l’oxyde utilisé ; le catalyseur 1%Au/CeO₂ est très actif et très stable au cours de quatre cycles successifs et au cours du temps. L’oxydation en phase liquide d’une molécule organique modèle le phénol par des réactions de type Fenton et photo Fenton a été effectuée sur les catalyseurs FeSBA-15 synthétisés via différentes stratégies : introduction du fer par voie postsynthétique et par voie hydrothermale en milieu faiblement et fortement acide respectivement à pH=6 et pH=3. Les performances catalytiques dépendent du rapport Si/Fe et de la taille des particules des espèces de fer, la taille des particules étant directement liée à la stratégie de synthèse des catalyseurs. Le catalyseur FeSBA-15(Si/Fe=60) synthétisé à pH=6 est un candidat potentiel dans la dégradation de polluants organiques par procédé Fenton et photo-Fenton en milieu neutre. / Well dispersed gold nanoparticles are the key to obtain an active gold catalyst. Obtaining gold nanoparticles requires control of many parameters and understanding of the interaction mode between gold and the support. For this reason the choice of the support is very important. The first part of this thesis concerns the controlled preparation of gold catalysts supported on reducible mesoporous oxides TiO₂, CeO₂ and Fe₂O₃ synthesized via two strategies Soft and Hard template using respectively. triblock copolymer (Pluronic 123) and mesoporous silica SBA-15 as template. This study clearly shows that the gold loading depends on the initial concentration of HAuCl₄, the method of preparation (DPU DP NaOH), theoretical gold content and the nature of the support. These results are to relate to the gold speciation which is a function of pH of the solution. The gold loading is higher on CeO₂ than on TiO₂ and Fe₂O₃ whatever the theoretical gold content. Very high gold dispersion is obtained (the gold particle size is 2 nm) on 1wt% and 2wt% Au/CeO₂ prepared by DPU and calcined at 400°C. The second part of this study concerns the toluene oxidation in the gas phase on Au/mesoporous oxide catalysts and the Fenton and photo-Fenton degradation of phenolic aqueous solutions by H₂O₂ on FeSBA-15 catalysts prepared following different synthesis routes, direct synthesis by adjusting pH at 3 and 6 and with post synthesis procedure. In the toluene oxidation in the gas phase Au/mesoporous oxide catalysts are totally selective for CO₂ and H₂O. The catalytic performances depend on the synthesis conditions of catalysts and the support; the 1wt% Au/CeO₂ catalyst is very active and exhibits a long-term stability. In the Fenton and photo-Fenton degradation of phenolic aqueous solutions the catalytic performances depend on the Si/Fe ratio and the particle size of the iron species, the particle size being directly related to the synthesis strategy of the catalysts. The catalyst FeSBA-15 (Si/Fe = 60) synthesized at pH = 6 is a potential candidate in the degradation of organic pollutants by Fenton and photo-Fenton process in neutral medium. / م لخصمسقني لمعلا يف هذه ةحورطألا ىلإ نيئزج:OiT 2ب وا سطة OeC 2و , Fe2O ي خ تص الاول ال ق سم ب تح ض يرمح فزات من ال ذهبن وع من م يزوب ري ة ب مواد مدعم 3ان واع مخ ت لف ال تح ض ير. ت شخ يص ف ي ال م س ت عم لة ال ت ق ن يات مخ ت لفت ب ين ال مح ضرة ل مح فزات انال دعم ط ب ي عة ك ذا و ال مح فز ت ح ض ير وطري قة HAuCl ت ر سب معدل ي ت ع لق ل ذه با ت رك يز ع لى 4ي ع ضو جزيء و سطغازي enèuloT أك سدة ف ي ال مواد هذه ب تط ب يق ي ت ع لق ال ثان ي ال ق سم ف يال مح فز ت ح ض ير Ò طرق ك ذا و ل ت فاعل هذا ع لى ال مؤث رة ل عوامل ب درا سة ق م نا سال فا ال مذك ورة ل لمح فزات ال ف عال ية ع لان واع مخ ت لف ب وا سطة FeSBA- ي ع ضو جزيء lonehP ت فاعل ب وا سطة notneF سائ ل و سط ف ي وعمن 51 ن مح فزات ع لىوHp ال و سط Si/Fe قلعتي ةبسنب FeSBA- ريضحتلا.ادأء 1515FeSBA-15, Fenton, Phenol, Toluène, TiO و 2 CeO2, Fe2O3, SBA- ال ك لمات ال م ف تاح ية ׃م يزوب وري ة ,

Tese de doutoramento. Engenharia Química e Biológica. Faculdade de Engenharia. Universidade do Porto. 2008

Advanced electrochemical oxidation processes have emerged as a promising method for the destruction of persistent organic material in variable waste streams. Although the process has been successfully employed for wastewater treatment applications, high energy requirements, and the risk of formation of undesirable by-products may limit its application in the field of leachate treatment. This study focuses on the investigation of the feasibility of removing organics and ammonia by electrochemical oxidation coupled with ozone, Fenton or lime. Landfill leachate was treated by two different bench scale electrochemical oxidation reactors coupled with ozone oxidation, Fenton coagulation or lime precipitation. The electrochemical oxidation was conducted using a titanium anode coated with multi-metal oxides (MMO) at three-different current densities for different durations. Treatment performance was determined based on the removal of COD, ammonium-N, and turbidity. A three-level factorial design was established, and response surface methodology (RSM) was introduced to determine the optimum process parameters. The results suggest that the process can remove appreciable amounts of ammonium-N and COD in a very short time, demonstrating that the process is effective in rapidly degrading recalcitrant organics in leachate. / Includes bibliography. / Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2019. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

Abstract Heavy metals and organics are always presented an important rule in the pollution control. In Taiwan, there are large amounts of toxic wastewater produced from electrical plating, metal surface-treating, steel, IC, electrics, photo-electrics, printed PC board, refinery, medicals, oil painting and foods manufactory industries. Those wastewater are contained toxic and hazardous materials materials to human body or environment quality. Thus, we believe it need immediately to develop the innovative process on removal of wastewater containing heavy metals and organic compounds. This study uses the strong oxidation of Fenton¡¦s Process to first remove the organic pollutant, EDTA, and then uses Ferrite Process to incorporate heavy metal ions into spinel structure for facilitating removal of heavy metal ions, and through this work, the best operation model of series treatment ¡§Fenton/Ferrite Process¡¨ is established. With respect to batch reaction in Fenton¡¦s Process, the emphasis in this work is placed the effect on EDTA removal by pH, ferrous ions concentration, and hydrogen peroxide . The results show that the best removal of EDTA occurs when Fenton is under acid condition (pH=2); and the removal of EDTA increase as the ferrous ions and hydrogen peroxide increase adequately, but when its quantity exceeds a certain value, the removal of EDTA would decrease as follows. Such a result may be caused by the excess of ferrous ions and hydrogen peroxide which could restain generation of hydroxyl radicals. As followed the Fenton¡¦s process, Ferrite Process is next used for treatment of wastewater in series; Ferrite Process has three stages, and the operating conditions are controlled temperature and pH. For the first stage, the operating condition is 70¢J, and pH is 9.0; and the operating condition is 90¢J, and pH is 9.0 in the second stage; and the operating condition is 80¢J, and pH is 10.0 in the last stage. From the results of series experiments, with respect to reaction time, each concentration of heavy metal in supernatant could meet the standards of discharge water when the total time of A-4 experimental condition is 90 minutes; if Hg ion is not included in wastewater, then the reaction time could be reduced to 50 minutes. I shows benefit for short reaction it the time. Under A-3 experimental condition, the reaction time is 56 minutes when Cd and Hg ions are not included in the wastewater, then each ions concentration of heavy metal could also reach the standards of discharge water, and this experiment need of ferrous ions is least of all. Thus, this experiment in this work has the economic benefits both for regarding time and cost-effectiveness. Keywords¡GFenton¡¦s Process¡BFerrite Process¡BEDTA¡BHeavy metal

Soil and groundwater at many existing and former industrial areas and disposal sites is contaminated by petroleum hydrocarbons that were released into the environment. Among those petroleum hydrocarbons, fuel oil is more difficult to treat compared to gasoline and diesel fuel due to its characteristics of low volatility, low biodegradability, and low mobility. Thus, a combination of several different treatment technologies is required to remediate fuel oil contaminated soil or groundwater. The objective of this study was to assess the potential of applying Fenton-like oxidation process to remediate fuel-oil contaminated soils. The following tasks were performed in this study: (1) determination of the optimal oxidation conditions, (2) evaluation of the efficiency of chemical by Fenton-like process after the pretreatment of surfactant flushing, and (3) evaluation of the stability of H2O2 by the addition of potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KH2PO4). Total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) in soil were analyzed to determine the effectiveness of the oxidation treatment. Results from this study show that the highest TPH removal efficiency (84.8%) was obtained for soils containing 3%(w/w) of fuel oil when 3% of H2O2 was applied followed by 0.05% of H2O2 with 56.7% of TPH removal. Results also show that approximately 69.1% of TPH removal was detected with soils containing 5%(w/w) of fuel oil when 6% of H2O2 was applied followed by 3% of H2O2 with 56.7% of TPH removal and 0.05% of H2O2 with 32.6% of TPH removal. Results also indicate that Fenton-like process has much higher oxidation efficiency than using H2O2 alone. The oxidation efficiency was significantly affected when the contaminated soils were pretreated with surfactant. Results reveal that the maximum allowable surfactant addition was approximately 0.7% (w/w) for soils containing 0.5% (w/w) of fuel oil when 6% of H2O2 was applied. Addition of 2.2 mM of potassium dihydrogen phosphate influence could increase the stability of H2O2, but caused the decrease in the efficiency of TPH removal. During the Fenton-like reaction, pH values were close to 6 to 7. The neutral to slightly acidic conditions caused the decreased dissolution rate of iron minerals. This would also cause the decreased production of hydroxyl radicals from the surface of iron minerals. Results from the byproduct analysis show that the oxidation potential of Fenton-like process is not strong enough to completely destroy the fuel oil to non-toxic end products. The oxidation process produced byproducts containing carboxyl groups with molecular weights similar to their parent compounds.

This thesis presents a study of three electrochemical methods applied to the fragmentation of proteins. Direct electrochemical oxidation at graphite electrodes, production of hydroxyl radicals on lead dioxide electrodes and electro-Fenton methods were each investigated as methods for fragmenting proteins. A key objective of this project was to achieve specific fragmentation, meaning that fragmentation would only occur at defined sites on each protein molecule and that this process may provide a new pathway to producing useful protein fragments. Protein fragments produced by electrochemical means were detected using mass spectroscopy and gel electrophoresis techniques. Direct electrochemical oxidation of the target proteins was studied at a graphite rod electrode in a solution containing acetonitrile, water and formic acid. β-lactoglobulin fragmentation was detected by mass spectroscopy, but fragmentation did not occur to an extent where fragments were observable by gel electrophoresis. It was evident that most of the electrolysis products appear to arise from non-cleavage oxidation reactions. The use of lead dioxide electrodes to generate hydroxyl radicals was thoroughly investigated in this work. For the first time, specific fragmentation of proteins has been achieved by direct electrochemical generation of hydroxyl radicals on the electrode surface. The pH and the chemical composition of the protein solutions were found have a strong influence on the extent of fragmentation. Electro-Fenton chemistry was conducted on a woven carbon fibre electrode. The electrode successfully reduced dissolved oxygen to produce hydrogen peroxide and regenerated Fe(II) from Fe(III). Cell conditions were optimized for applied current, method of oxygen delivery and cell division. The Fenton reaction between hydrogen peroxide and Fe(II) produced hydroxyl radicals that were able to specifically fragment proteins. It was not possible to increase the concentration of these protein fragments by increasing the hydrogen peroxide concentration, as the fragmentation products were also further fragmented. Electrochemical protein fragmentation was achieved in all three electrochemical systems, however the most promising results were achieved by electrochemical generation of hydroxyl radicals on a lead dioxide electrode. This work has the potential to become a fast and cost effective method for the fragmentation of proteins required for nutrition and medical purposes or for use in protein identification analysis with mass spectroscopy.

Dans ce travail de thèse, les radicaux hydroxyles et sulfates, générés par les procédés électro-Fenton et électro-persulfate utilisant une anode en fer, respectivement, ont été utilisés pour la dégradation des édulcorants synthétiques et un colorant azoïque. Les études réalisées sont essentiellement concentrées sur : efficacité de dégradation, mécanismes d'oxydation, schémas de minéralisation et évolution de la toxicité lors de traitement des polluants cibles.1. Le procédé électro-Fenton a montré une grande efficacité dans la dégradation oxydative de l'Aspartame (ASP). La dégradation et la minéralisation sont essentiellement affectées par la concentration du catalyseur (Fe2+) et l'intensité du courant. La constante de vitesse absolue de la réaction d'hydroxylation de l'ASP a été déterminée comme (5,23±0,02) x 109 M-1 s-1. Les acides oxalique, oxamique et maléique ont été identifiés comme sous-produits aliphatiques. La toxicité de la solution (méthode Microtox) augment dans un premier temps et ensuite diminue progressivement lors du traitement.(2) L'édulcorant artificiel Saccarine (SAC) a été efficacement dégradée par procédé électro-Fenton avec anodes DSA, Pt et BDD. Cependant, l'utilisation de l'anode BDD a accéléré significativement la minéralisation de la SAC. Les conditions optimales pour la minéralisation efficace de la SAC étaient: [SAC]: 0,2 mM, [Fe2+] (catalyseur): 0,2 mM, [Na2SO4] (électrolyte): 0,05 M, I (courant): 200 mA et pH: 3. Les acides oxalique, formique et maléique ont été identifiés comme sous-produits aliphatiques. La mesure de la toxicité indique une augmentation en début d'électrolyse (formation des intermédiaires toxiques) et puis une diminution progressive le long du traitement.(3) L'édulcorant artificiel Sucralose (SUC) a été complètement minéralisée en 360 min de traitement par procédé électro-Fenton avec l'anode Pt ou BDD. Le taux de minéralisation est affecté par la concentration de Fe2+ et le courant appliqué. L'efficacité du courant de minéralisation diminue avec l'augmentation du courant de 100 à 500 mA avec les deux anodes. Les acides oxalique, pyruvique, formique et glycolique ont été détectés au cours du processus de minéralisation.(4) Les solutions du colorant azoïque Orange II ont été effectivement décolorées par les radicaux sulfates générés par l'activation électrochimique du peroxydisulfate (PDS) utilisant un catalyseur solide, FeOOH (procédé CE/α-FeOOH/PDS). Le pH initial a peu d'effet sur la décoloration. La méthodologie RSM (Response Surface Methodology) basée sur le modèle Box-Behnken a été appliquée pour analyser les variables expérimentales. Les résultats indiquent que le courant a un effet positif sur la vitesse de décoloration. L'interaction du dosage de l'α-FeOOH et la concentration de PDS ont des effets significatifs. Les résultats d'analyse de variance (ANOVA) ont confirmé que les modèles proposés étaient exactes et fiables pour l'analyse des variables du procédé CE/α-FeOOH/PDS. Le catalyseur solide α-FeOOH a montré une bonne stabilité structurelle et pourrait être réutilisé.(5) Les solutions d'Orange II ont été dégradés par les radicaux sulfates obtenus par le même procédé mais avec catalyseur Fe3O4 : EC/Fe3O4/PDS. La vitesse de décoloration est affecté principalement par : pH initial de la solution, densité du courant, concentration de PDS et dosage de Fe3O4. La solution a été totalement décolorée en 60 min dans les conditions suivantes: [Orange II]0: 25 mg/L, [PDS]: 10 mM, [Fe3O4]: 0,8 g/L, densité du courant (j): 8,4 mA/cm2 et pH initial: 6,0. Les expériences de recyclage ont montré que les particules de Fe3O4 étaient stables et pourraient être réutilisées. Les spectres XPS ont montré la formation de Fe(II) sur la surface des particules de Fe3O4 lors de traitement. Les principaux intermédiaires ont été séparés et identifiés par la technique GC-MS et un schéma plausible de dégradation d'Orange II a été proposé / In this paper, electro-Fenton and sulfate radical-based electro-Fenton-like processes were used to degrade artificial sweeteners and azo dye. The results obtained during the research concern the removal efficiency, the oxidation mechanism, degradation pathway and toxicity evolution of target pollutants.(1) Electro-Fenton process was a effective method for the degradation of ASP in water. The removal and mineralization rate was affected by the Fe2+ concentration and applied current. The absolute rate constant of hydroxylation reaction of ASP was (5.23 ± 0.02) × 109 M–1 S–1. Short-chain aliphatic acids such as oxalic, oxamic and maleic acid were identified as aliphatic intermediates in the electro-Fenton process. The bacteria luminescence inhibition showed the toxicity of ASP solution decreased after it reached a maximum during the first period of the oxidation reaction.(2) Artificial sweetener SAC could be degraded effectively by electro-Fenton process with a DSA, Pt or BDD anode. However, the using of BDD anode could accelerate the mineralization of SAC. The optimal conditions for SAC removal were SAC concentration 0.2 mM, Fe2+ concentration 0.2 mM, Na2SO4 concentration 50 mM, applied current 200 mA and initial pH 3.0. Oxalic, formic, and maleic acid were observed as aliphatic byproducts of SAC during electro-Fenton process. The bacteria luminescence inhibition showed the toxicity of SAC solution increased at the beginning of electrolysis, and then it declined until the end of the reaction.(3) Artificial sweetener Sucralose could be completely mineralized in a 360 min reaction by electro-Fenton process with a Pt or BDD anode. The mineralization rate was affected by the Fe2+ concentration and applied current. The mineralization current efficiency (MCE) decreased with rising applied current from 100 to 500 mA with both Pt and BDD anode. Oxalic, pyruvic, formic and glycolic acids were detected during the oxidation of sucralose.(4) Orange II was effectively decolorized by EC/α-FeOOH/PDS process. The initial pH of Orange II solution had little effect on the decolorization of Orange II. RSM based on Box-Behnken statistical experiment design was applied to analyze the experimental variables. The response surface methodology models were derived based on the results of the pseudo-first-order decolorization rate constant and the response surface plots were developed accordingly. The results indicated the applied current showed a positive effect on the decolorization rate constant of Orange II. The interaction of α-FeOOH dosage and PDS concentration was significant. The ANOVA results confirmed that the proposed models were accurate and reiable for the analysis of the varibles of EC/α-FeOOH/PDS process. The catalystα-FeOOH showed good structural stability and could be reused.(5) Aqueous solutions of Orange II have been degraded effectively in the EC/Fe3O4/PDS process. The decolorization rate was affected by the initial pH of Orange II solution, current density, PDS concentration and Fe3O4 dosage. Orange II can be totally decolorizated in a 60 min reaction when initial Orange II concentration was 25 mg/L, PDS concentration was 10 mM, Fe3O4 dosage was 0.8 g/L, current density was 8.4 mA/cm2 and initial pH was 6.0. Recycle experiments showed Fe3O4 particles were stable and can be reused. XPS spectrum indicated Fe(II) was generated on the surface of Fe3O4 particles after reaction. The main intermediates were separated and identified by GC-MS technique and a plausible degradation pathway of Orange II was proposed