Zero valent iron mediated degradation of the pharmaceutical diazepam

► Pre-treatment of Fe0 particles with H2SO4 improves the degradation efficiency. ► Diazepam degradation is favored under oxic conditions. ► EDTA improves diazepam degradation. ► Mono and di-hydroxylated intermediates were identified in Fe0/EDTA/O2 system what indicates a Fenton like process.