Assessment of the validity of the quenching method for evaluating the role of reactive species in pollutant abatement during the persulfate-based process

•Effects of six commonly used quenchers on the Co(II)/PMS process mechanism were evaluated.•Adding high-concentration quenchers considerably changed the Co(II)/PMS process mechanism.•The underlying assumption of the quenching method is unrealistic.•The quenching method may misinterpret the role of S...

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