Minimizing toxic chlorinated byproducts during electrochemical oxidation of Ni-EDTA: Importance of active chlorine-triggered Fe(II) transition to Fe(IV)

•A strategy to minimize release of chlorinated products during EAOPs is proposed.•The dual-anode system facilitates Ni-EDTA destruction and removal of aqueous Ni.•The RCS-triggered Fe(II) transition to Fe(IV) is achieved by the dual-anode system.•Fe(IV) plays a role in attenuating chlorinated products and decreasing toxicity.•It exhibits superior performance for treating real electroless plating effluent.