The electrocatalytic properties of Ti-Ru-Sn ternary oxide, platinum, lead dioxide and boron-doped diamond anodes for the oxidation of methyl red have been compared by potentiodynamic measurements and bulk electrolysis. The results of the cyclic voltammetries have shown that in the potential region of supporting electrolyte stability polymeric materials, which result in electrode deactivation, are formed on the electrode surfaces. While Ti-Ru-Sn ternary oxide and platinum cannot restore their initial activity by polarization, lead dioxide and boron-doped diamond anodes can be reactivated by electrolysis in the potential region of electrolyte decomposition due to the electrogeneration of hydroxyl radicals. The bulk electrolysis showed that the complete COD and colour removal were only achieved using lead dioxide and boron-doped diamond while Ti-Ru-Sn ternary oxide and platinum only permitted a partial oxidation of methyl red. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.