Evaluation of electrolytic reactor configuration for the regeneration of granular activated carbon saturated with methylene blue

•We report the electrolytic regeneration of GAC saturated with MB on BDD as an anode.•We compare three types of cell configuration, fluidized, packed bed (cathodic, anodic, and undivided). GAC packed in the cathodic compartment during the regeneration results in the highest RE.•Different regeneration cycles were carried out to evaluate its effect on the material, after three cycles of regeneration, the GAC lost 77 % of its original surface area and 76 % of its original adsorption capacity.