nZVI/Periodate Process for Effective Textile Wastewater Treatment: Mechanistic Insights, Process Optimization, and Reusability Assessment for a Sustainable Approach

This study evaluates the degradation performance of a nano zero‐valent iron/periodate (nZVI/PI) system for rapid textile dye removal, focusing on key parameters relevant to practical application. Under optimal conditions (100 mg/L nZVI, 100 µM PI, pH 3), up to 80% dye removal was achieved within 2 min, with 38%–54% TOC reduction after 1 h. The system showed stable recyclability over 10 successive cycles. Degradation proceeded primarily via Fe(IV) and hydroxyl radicals, while the iodyl radical (IO 3 • ) was excluded. Surface‐mediated oxidation was confirmed through gas saturation experiments. Process efficiency was highly dependent on reagent doses, dye loading, and pH, with strong activity only in the acidic range (pH 2.5–3) and complete inhibition above pH 4. Low levels of chloride and nitrate enhanced reactivity, whereas bromide, nitrite, sugars, and nonionic surfactants inhibited it via radical scavenging or catalyst deactivation. Tests in real water matrices demonstrated the system's robustness. Seawater notably enhanced degradation, likely due to reactive chlorine species, whereas mineral and municipal waters showed minimal performance loss. These findings support the nZVI/PI system as a promising, rapid, and resilient advanced oxidation process for dye‐contaminated wastewater treatment.