Mechanistic insights into complete oxidation of chlorobenzene to CO2 via wet scrubber coupled with UV/PDS

•SO4•− was predominant in the initial oxidation of chlorobenzene (CB) in UV/PDS.•HO• played important role in the formation of CO2 during the oxidation of CB.•The synergetic effect of SO4•−, O2 and HO• led to efficient mineralization of CB.•Highly-toxic dimericproducts were produced in UV/PDS in the absence of O2.•The oxidation pathway was proposed based on the intermediates and DFT calculation.