Degradation of pesticides by heterogeneous Fenton using iron-exchanged clays

The aim of this research is to study the feasibility of using low-cost and natural bentonite and kaolinite clays, compared with commercial bentonite, as raw materials to prepare catalysts for the removal of two emerging pollutants, the neonicotinoid pesticides nitenpyram and acetamiprid, by heterogeneous Fenton process. The raw materials were subjected to a simple ion exchange method to improve their textural properties using a solution containing ferric cations followed by calcination at 500 °C. Results show high activity for all the catalysts in the removal of these pesticides, Stability tests were carried out confirming the high stability of these materials.