Copper-supported alumina and zirconia catalysts were prepared and their catalytic activity towards the oxidative color removal and degradation of bromophenol blue with H2O2 was investigated. The rate of reaction with alumina is greater than that with zirconia, which ascribed to the increased amount of copper loaded on the catalyst as well as to the increased surface area. A brown intermediate (peroxo-compound), formed at the early stages of the reaction, inhibited the reaction rate. The rate of reaction increased with increase in pH of the medium as well as with added chloride ions. Both catalysts are very stable and can be used for several times without notable loss in their catalytic activities. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.