Magnetic Field-Assisted Electro-Fenton System Using Magnetite as a Sustainable Iron Source for Wastewater Treatment

The Electro-Fenton (EF) process is a promising technology for the sustainable remediation of organic contaminants in complex wastewater. In this study, a weak magnetic field (~150 G) was applied to enhance the performance of an EF system using magnetite (Fe3O4) synthesized by a controlled co-precipitation route as a recyclable solid iron source. The magnetite was characterized by FTIR, SEM/EDS, and XPS, confirming the coexistence of Fe2+/Fe3+ species essential for in situ Fenton-like reactions. Under the selected operating conditions (90 min reaction time), magnetic-field assistance improved methylene blue decolorization from 14.2% to 46.0% at pH 3. FeSO4 was used only as a homogeneous benchmark, whereas the magnetite-based system operated without soluble iron addition, minimizing sludge formation and secondary contamination. These results demonstrate the potential of magnetite-assisted and magnetically enhanced EF systems as a low-cost, sustainable alternative for the treatment of dye-containing industrial wastewater and other complex effluents.