A novel three-dimensional galvanic cell enhanced Fe2+/persulfate system: High efficiency, mechanism and damaging effect of antibiotic resistant E. coli and genes

•A novel 3D galvanic cell/Fe2+/persulfate system could remove AR E. coli efficiently.•GAC offered more sites for redox reactions to enhance the disinfection effect.•Sulfate radicals and hydroxyl radicals were responsible for disinfection.•83.2% antibiotic resistance gene ampC were eliminated within 60 min by this system.•Cycled GAC performed very good repeatability on disinfection test even for 6 times.