The objective of this research was to study the degradation of chloramphenicol (CAP) in soil using activated carbon fiber
supported nanoscale zerovalent iron (ACF/nZVI) coupled with microwave (MW) irradiation. Compared to ACF/MW, nZVI/MW
and MW alone, the ACF/nZVI/MW system had a higher degradation efficiency. A Box-Behnken experimental design was
employed to analyse relative significance of independent variables A (irradiation time), B (MW power), and C (MW absorber
dosage), and combined effects of the three independent variables at three levels, in the removal of CAP. RSM analysis
demonstrated that the three independent factors and interaction of any two all indicate significant influence, and the optimum
conditions were set as: 700 W for MW power, 30 min for irradiation time, and 0.03 g for the dosage of ACF/NZVI. This
technology is expected to be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly microwave treatment.