New Study Shows Coal Mine By‑product Can Activate Peroxymonosulfate for Cleaner Rivers

Scientists have discovered that coal gangue, the fine solid waste generated during coal extraction, can serve as a catalyst to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) – a potent oxidising agent used in advanced water‑treatment processes. The study outlines a series of preparation steps: thermal treatment to convert stable mineral phases into more reactive forms, mechanical grinding to increase surface area, and controlled acid or alkaline washing to create active sites and defects. These modifications enable the gangue to efficiently decompose PMS into sulfate radicals, hydroxyl radicals and singlet oxygen, all of which attack and mineralise hazardous organic molecules.

The team evaluated the system with two representative pollutants: a tetracycline antibiotic, which poses a risk of antibiotic resistance, and a phenolic compound, a common industrial contaminant. Both were substantially degraded, demonstrating the catalyst’s versatility. The authors caution that real‑world deployment will require assessment of catalyst lifespan, potential metal leaching, safety of degradation products, and the energy balance of the preparation process. Successful implementation could turn a long‑standing environmental liability into a valuable tool for protecting water bodies from industrial pollution.