PMS activation with XFe2O4 (X = Mn, Co) for efficient removal of paracetamol. Both HO (few) and SO4− (main) existed in XFe2O4/PMS system. MnFe2O4 exhibited remarkable reusability without detectable Mn and Fe leaching. Mn2/3+/Fe3/2+ and Co2/3+/Fe3/2+ was responsible for the radical generation.