Influence of chloride and carbonates on the reactivity of activated persulfate

► Influence of chloride and carbonate was investigated for heat, alkaline and iron activated persulfate systems. ► Different activation mechanisms are affected differently by chloride and carbonates. ► Chloride and carbonates can enhance reaction rates in activated persulfate systems. ► Chloride and carbonates might play an important role and should not strictly be considered as scavengers.