Various natural chemicals and some contaminants of industrial source present an endocrine activity. Nowadays, many questions related to these compounds are not resolved and the persistent character of these compounds makes it a major problem for future generations. This study concentrated on some specific groups of endocrine disrupting chemicals (estrogens and alkylphenols). In this review, a number of treatment processes will be discussed with regard to their potential on endocrine disrupting chemicals removal. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.