Escherichia coli inactivation by neutral solar heterogeneous photo-Fenton (HPF) over hybrid iron/montmorillonite/alginate beads

Hybrid alginate montmorillonite iron enriched beads (Fe-MABs) were synthesized using ion gelation method and used as catalyst in Escherichia coli inactivation in neutral solar photo-Fenton conditions. A kinetic analysis showed that the E. coli inactivation by Fe-MABs followed a pseudo first-order kinetics model. Complete disinfection was achieved in 1 h of irradiation by using Fe-MABs in the presence of 10 ppm of H2O2. Preliminary studies on recyclability showed possible beads reused up to four times. Overall, Fe-MABs represent an environmental friendly material able to achieve bactericidal performance measured by E. coli inactivation under photooxidative conditions.