The photodegradation of distillery effluent has been studied for removal of colour and COD reduction in the presence of solar radiation. The influence of experimental parameters such as H2O2 concentration dosage, effluent COD concentration, TiO2 catalyst and pH on colour and COD removal efficiency through solar photochemical process has been investigated. Maximum colour removal of the distillery effluent achieved was 79% at an H2O2 concentration of 0.3 M, pH 6, effluent COD concentration of 500 ppm and catalyst dosage of 0.1 g/L. The TiO2/H2O2 system seems to be more efficient in comparison to the synergetic action that appears when using H2O2 and TiO2. The photocatalytic degradation process using solar light as an irradiation source showed potential application for the colour removal of the distillery effluent treatment. Solar radiation can be an considered as an alternative, effective and economic energy carrier for the treatment of industrial effluent. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.