In the present work, beech wood condensates are separated from the aqueous phase. Experimental results reveal an electrostatic interaction between the oppositely charged wood extracts after oxidation and Ca(OH)(2). The increase in aqueous phase pH resulted in enhanced removal of wood extracts from water. The polarographic assays were carried out at 25 degreesC using a Gilson oxygraph equipped with a Clark electrode in order to determine the oxygen uptake during the oxidation reaction. The effect of pH is explained based on oxygen uptake. The organic compounds found in the aqueous effluent are responsible for the brown color. The objective of this Study is to find the optimum pH to eliminate the wood extracts from the liquid effluents. (C) 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.