Effect of temperature on oxidative transformation of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) by persulfate activation in water

► We report the oxidative decomposition of PFOA by activating persulfate in water. ► PFOA decomposition by persulfate activation under different conditions was studied. ► A sequential degradation mechanism of losing one CF2 unit from PFOA was observed. ► Kinetic study yielded ∼60 kJ/mol activation energy for PFOA degradation by persulfate.