Removal of phosphate in secondary effluents was investigated in presence of Fe2+/H2O2. The effect of H2O2-dose, Fe-close and initial phosphate concentration were assessed. The results indicated that Fe2+/H2O2 could greatly increase the removal of phosphate compared with those achieved by Fe2+ alone. For initial phosphate concentration of 0.97-3.75 mg P/L, phosphate removal rates of 50-60% were observed at 1:1 molar addition of Fe(II). However, a 125% excess of Fe-dose was necessary for complete phosphate removal. The experimental data demonstrated that removal of phosphate with Fe2+/H2O2 was higher than that observed with ferric coagulation alone. This fact suggested that in situ formed Fe(III) having much affinity for ligand phosphate. Chemical co-precipitation was considered as the dominant mechanism about phosphate removal in presence of Fe2+/H2O2. The electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra tests in secondary effluents showed that Fe2+/H2O2 could produce an increasing hydroxyl radical concentration with a decrease in both H2O2 dosage and phosphate concentration. Fe2+/H2O2 had the potential to be utilized for removal of phosphate due to the lower cost and the higher phosphate removal capability. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.