Inactivation of Escherichia Coli by mixed-valent nanoparticles in-situ generated during Fe electrocoagulation

•Fe-EC in-situ generated magnetite/green rust efficient for the inactivation of E. coli.•Unstable in-situ generated magnetite and GR was a prerequisite factor for inactivation.•Cell membrane damage was a key process for E. coli inactivation with magnetite.•Excess ROS and Fe2+ intracellular was a main reason for E. coli inactivation with GR.•Fe-EC in the absence of DO was efficient for E. coli inactivation in real wastewater.