The system Fe(III)/H2O2 has been used to oxidise an aqueous solution of p-hydroxybenzoic acid (pHB) in the absence of light. In the process, typical operating variables such as reagent concentration exert a positive influence in the pHB degradation rate. Optimum pH has been found to be around 3. The kinetic study suggests that the mechanism involved in this system differs to some extent from that reported for the classic Fenton's chemistry in pure water. Thus, formation of a complex Fe(III) pHB seems to be a key step to initiate the oxidising mechanism. Stoichiometric measurements of the H2O2 consumption per mole of pHB degraded indicate a possible reduction of complexed Fe(III). Simultaneous oxidation of pHB (and other similar compounds such as tyrosol (Ty) or p-coumaric acid (pCu)) and atrazine have shown a synergistic effect of the first substance to remove the pesticide. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.