The results of catalytic hydrotreating of a commercial mixture of 2,4'-DDT and 4,4'-DDT are reported. Experimental runs were carried out in a batch reactor (300 cm(3)) at constant hydrogen pressure (P-H2 = 20 bar) and temperature. Temperature levels 150, 180, 200 and 230 degreesC were tested. A commercial sulphide Ni-Mo catalyst was adopted. The reacting medium was hexadecane. The kinetic constant and reaction order of the destruction reaction of 2,4'-DDT and 4,4'-DDT have been evaluated at temperature of 180, 200 and 230 degreesC. Destruction and removal efficiency (DRE) at T = 230 degreesC has been calculated. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.