Degradation of basic and acid dyes in high-voltage pulsed discharge

•We researched in a gas–liquid series high-voltage pulsed discharge reactor.•Comparing the degradation of monocomponent basic dyes, acid dyes, and the mixture of basic or acid dyes.•Nearly complete bleaching in 21 minutes for all monocomponent dye, 90% for mixtures.•The initial pH and conductivities had significant effect on the degradation of both acid and basic dyes.