Bu-2 phthalate (DBP) was removed from its aq. emulsions (200 mg/L) by oxidn. with H2O2 at pH 3 for 2 h in presence of FeSO4 or Fe-rich sludge from water treatment plants as catalysts with following coagulation with NaOH (up to pH 8) and sedimentation for 1 h. The conversion of DBP to Bu and Et acetates, BuOH, PrCOOH, PrEt and Me acetate was evidenced by chromatog. A substantial decrease of org. matter content in the aq. phase (90%) was achieved when the Fe-rich sludge was used, but the adsorption of DBP on sludge particles was not excluded.