In-situ ion exchange electrocatalysis biological coupling (i-IEEBC) for simultaneously enhanced degradation of organic pollutants and heavy metals in electroplating wastewater.

•The i-IEEBC were applied to treat electroplating wastewater.•CD of 0.40 mA/(cm)2 exhibited the highest COD, TOC, Cr and Cu removal rates.•The biodegradability increases after operation under the optimal CD.•Cation exchange properties improve the catalytic lifetime of the particle electrodes.•The i-IEEBC is a high efficient alternative technology to electroplating wastewater.