In this work, an humic acid adsorption with an enhanced Fenton oxidation was employed to treat the real effluent originating from the 1-diazo-2-naphthol-4-sulfonic acid (1.2,4-Acid) production plant. In a first step, humic acid with MgSO4 was selected as adsorbent and precipitant for physicochemical pretreatment, the synergetic effect had led to 39% of COD removal and 89% of colour removal. A multi-staged Fenton oxidation process with inner circulation was introduced subsequently. The TOC, COD, 1,2,4-Acid, NH4.-N, SS and colour were reduced from 3024 mg/L, 12,780 mg/L, 9103 mg/L, 110 mg/L, 240 mg/L and 25,600 (multiple) to 46 mg/L, 210 mg/L, 21 mg/L, 16 mg/L. 3 mg/L and 25 through the combined process, respectively. Hydrogen peroxide consumed per kg COD had saved up to 36% when two-staged Fenton process with inner circulation (flow-back to influent ratio: 3) was applied. Influence of H2O2 concentration, flow-back to influent ratio and staged Fenton mode were investigated in detail in order to find out the optimal operating parameters. The kinetics of 1,2,4-Acid degradation by two-staged Fenton process was investigated. The evolution of the main intermediates during the degradation process was conducted using the LC-(ESI)-TOF-MS technique, and the results showed a staged degradation pathway from the ring opening of naphthalene compounds to the formation of benzene compounds and carboxyl acids. The combined process had been proved effective in both technical and economic aspects. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.