This study introduces the application of the Fe(III)/flue gas desulfurization gypsum (FGDG) system to remove EDTA-chelated Pb(II). Systematic experiments were conducted to explore the possibility of removing EDTA-chelated Pb(II) and the crucial factors of the removal process, as well as to determine the underlying removal mechanism. The results showed that the removal reaction was a quick process, with the removal rate exceeding 90% after 1 min. The system removed 97.35% of EDTA-chelated Pb(II), reducing its concentration from 700 mg/L to 18.81 mg/L. EDTA-chelated Pb(II) can be most effectively removed at pH 2. This system had a high removal rate from 50 mg/L to 1000 mg/L of EDTA-chelated Pb(II), particularly at 700 mg/L when the removal rate reached 97.35%. When the molar ratio of Fe(III)/ Pb(II) was greater or smaller than 1:1, an inhibitory effect on removal was observed. TOC and UV-Vis analyses indicated that ferric ions replaced lead ions, resulting in the conversion of the EDTA-chelated Pb(II) to EDTA-chelated Fe(III). Surface structure, crystalline phase and elemental distribution were analyzed to explore the transformation of substances. The results indicated that FGDG coprecipitated with free lead ions to form lead sulfate. Overall, the rapid and efficient removal performance with cost effective characteristics makes the Fe(III)/FGDG system a potentially attractive method for the removal of EDTA-chelated Pb(II)in wastewater. (C) 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.