Electrochemical decontamination cells

A method of generating reductive and/or oxidative chemical species in an aqueous fluid stream to disinfect and remove contamination comprising:

• a) providing a filter volume comprising multiple distributed layers of filter material, each layer comprising at least one porous carbon support layer and at least one silicate/glass wool layer;
• b) passing an electric current through at least two of the multiple distributed layers of filter material;
• c) passing the aqueous fluid stream containing elemental halogens and/or halide salts through at least two of the multiple distributed layers or a space between adjacent individual ones of the multiple distributed layers of filter material;
• d) providing halogens or halides within the multiple distributed layers of filter material;
• d) directing a contaminated fluid mass into contact with the multiple distributed layers of filter material in the presence of the electric current;
• and
• e) adsorbing contaminants from the fluid mass onto surfaces of individual layers of the multiple distributed layers of filter material.