Enhanced transformation capability towards benzo(a)pyrene by Fe(III)-modified manganese oxides.

Manganese oxides (Mn oxides) are ubiquitous and may coexist with Fe(III) ions in soil environments. In this study, acid birnessite, alkaline birnessite, cryptomelane, pyrolusite, manganite, and their Fe(III)-modified analogues were synthesized and used for benzo(a)pyrene transformation. Fe-modified Mn oxides show a markedly enhanced transformation capability towards benzo(a)pyrene. Specifically, the benzo(a)pyrene transformation rate constants k for Bir-H, Bir-OH, Cry, Pyr, and Man were 0.49, 0.080, 0.0071, 0.0055, and 0.0022 h, respectively. After Fe(III) modification, the transformation rate constants were increased to 22, 2.7, 0.25, 0.0072 and 0.0098 h, respectively. Fe(III)-modified layered birnessites exhibited better activity than Fe(III)-modified tunnel Mn oxides, which was attributed to their high Fe(III) contents and abundant active free radicals. Fe(III) was found to accept electrons from benzo(a)pyrene, thereby accelerating the benzo(a)pyrene transformation. Moreover, modification with Fe(III) increased the surface adsorbed water and oxygen, and promoted the generation of active free radicals. Finally, the physicochemical and biochemical properties of transformation products showed the environmental benefits of this process. Overall, the results indicate that the occurrence of Fe(III) ions could promote the removal of PAHs in Mn oxides-rich soils, and this study provides a credible understanding of PAH fates in natural soils.