Abstract: A direct contact cell is useful for the purification of water and sterilization of organics and inorganics used in water purification systems, such as waste water reuse. Specifically, this direct contact cell is useful for the treatment of flow back and produced waters in the oil and gas industry and also the mining industry, for the destruction of pathogens, heavy metals, suspended solids, iron, cyanide fats and organic material. The direct contact electrolytic cell allows a single passage through the cell to handle flow rates of up to 42 gallons per minute. The cell provides a plurality of separate anodes disposed with the cell and cathodes in front of and behind the anodes and can be operated at high voltages.