A combined process including integrated ozone-BAFs (ozone biological aerated filters) and membrane filtration was first applied for recycling textile effluents in a cotton textile mill with capacity of 5000 m(3)/d. Influent COD (chemical oxygen demand) in the range of 82-120 mg/L, BOD5 (5-day biochemical oxygen demand) of 12.6-23.1 mg/L, suspended solids (SSs) of 38-52 mg/L and color of 32-64 degrees were observed during operation. Outflows with COD <= 45 mg/L, BOD5 <= 7.6 mg/L, SS <= 15 mg/L, color <= 8 degrees were obtained after being decontaminated by ozone-BAF with ozone dosage of 20-25 mg/L. Besides, the average removal rates of PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) and UV254 were 100% and 73.4% respectively. Permeate water produced by RO (reverse osmosis) could be reused in dyeing and finishing processes, while the RO concentrates could be discharged directly under local regulations with COD <= 100 mg/L, BOD5 <= 21 mg/L, SS <= 52 mg/L, color <= 32 degrees. Results showed that the combined process could guarantee water reuse with high quality, and solve the problem of RO concentrate disposal. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.