A sequencing batch reactor (SBR) has certain advantages over conventional activated sludge processes (ASP) for the treatment of complex wastewater. The performance of a sequencing batch reactor in treating complex chemical effluents was investigated with a suspended biomass configuration and operating under aerobic conditions. A total sequence of 24 h (15 min: filling phase; 23 h: reaction phase (aeration with recirculation); 30 min: setting; and 15 min: withdrawal) was employed and studied with various organic loading rates (1.0 kg COD/m(3) /day: 1.7 kg COD/m(3) /day and 3.5 kg COD/m(3) /day). The SBR performance was assessed by means of carbon removal and operational parameters such as pH, oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), sludge volume (SV), sludge volume index (SVI), suspended solids (SS) and volatile suspended solids (VSS), which were monitored during reactor operation. The SBR showed relatively more efficient performance over conventional suspended growth systems. About 8% sulphate was removed under anoxic conditions at all the studied organic loading rates. Enhanced performance with SBR over conventional ASP may be due to enforced short term unsteady state conditions coupled with periodic exposure of the microorganisms (physiological state) to defined process conditions which facilitate the required metabolic conditions for treating complex chemical effluents. (c) 2004 Published by Elsevier Ltd.