Combination of granular activated carbon adsorption and electrochemical oxidation processes in methanol medium for benzene removal

•Benzene can be mineralized electrochemically from methanol electrolytes.•Better efficiency of the combined GAC/electrolytic process for removal of benzene.•Formation of anisole opens the possibility of electro-refinery as treatment technology.•Adsorption/electrolysis doesn't reach initially expected efficiency but overcomes water electrolysis.