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Butyl xanthate (BX) is a commonly used sulfide collector in the froth flotation process. However, its potential toxicity would cause environmental problems if not handled properly or in case of leaks. Therefore, it is important to establish efficient methods for detecting and removing BX from mineral processing wastewater. In this study, a new nanozyme named Ag@Fe 3 O 4 -MnO 2 was synthesized using a two-step hydrothermal process. This nanozyme, exhibiting both oxidase and catalase-mimicking properties, was successfully used in a multi-color change detection method for BX. Additionally, Ag@Fe 3 O 4 -MnO 2 activated persulfate (PS) to break down BX. Under the optimal conditions of 2.0 mg/L catalyst dosage, 2.0 mM PS, and initial pH 7.82, more than 97.17 % of BX was degraded in the simulant wastewater in 30 min. Overall, this study offers valuable new insights into the detection and removal of BX, expanding the potential application of nanozymes in the environmental field. [Display omitted] • Recyclable nanozyme of Ag@Fe 3 O 4 -MnO 2 with oxidase- and catalase-mimicking activities is generated. • Multi-color colorimetric detection and degradation of butyl xanthate (BX) are achieved for the first time with a nanozyme. • The light was shed on the mechanism of nanozyme-catalyzed persulfate activation. • The transfer of electrons in Ag@Fe 3 O 4 -MnO 2 promoted the activation of persulfate. • A new insight for the detection and removal of BX is provided to overcome the traditional limitations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Successfully synthesized nanozyme with great enzyme-mimicking activities. • Excellent performance for dyes degradation, As(V) adsorption and detection were obtained. • HO· and ·O 2 – contributed more to the dyes degradation and TMB oxidation. • High colorimetric detection performance in terms of sensitivity and selectivity. • DFT calculations and traditional experiments were creatively combined. Wastewater rich in compound pollution often posed serious environmental burden, not only for the disposal difficulties, but also with a large amount of energy consumption. Recently, an increasing number of environmental nanomaterials with advantages of easy synthesis, low cost and environment-friendly were applied in studies of complex pollutant removal, considered as good alternatives and supplements to traditional wastewater treatment methods. Herein, a novel nanozyme of Ag/Fe 3 O 4 @h-BN with both peroxidase- and oxidase-mimicking activities was designed and successfully prepared for wastewater treatment. Besides excellent nanozyme activity, Ag/Fe 3 O 4 @h-BN was also demonstrated with dyes degradation capabilities, As(V) adsorption and detection. Under the optimal conditions, over 99.5% of methyl orange, methylene blue and rhodamine B were degraded by Ag/Fe 3 O 4 @h-BN, while 63.35% of As(V) was removed. As a detection agent of As(V), the excellent selectivity and sensitivity of Ag/Fe 3 O 4 @h-BN were confirmed. Innovatively, combined with DFT calculations and experimental results, the stable structure and mechanism of Ag/Fe 3 O 4 @h-BN were scientifically and accurately verified repeatedly. In summary, this work provides new deep insights for rational design of advanced nanozymes, and demonstrates the application potential in environmental remediation using the novel nanozyme of Ag/Fe 3 O 4 @h-BN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]