The application of titanium dioxide-loaded activated carbon fiber (ACF/TiO2) in a pulsed discharge reactor for degradation of methyl orange (MO) was investigated. Several factors were considered to explore the applicability and the effect of ACF/TiO2 in the combined treatment of pulsed discharge and ACF/TiO2. A synergistic effect appeared in the combined treatment. The increase in COD removal results from the photocatalysis of ACF/TiO2, as well as the adsorption of ACF/TiO2. Further, ACF/TiO2 could be regenerated in situ in the combined treatment. The solution conductivity had a major effect on chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal from the MO solution in the combined treatment, while the initial solution pH value had a minor effect on COD removal. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.