This paper focuses on the removal of mono- and poly-halogenated arenes, as model substrates of endocrine disrupting compounds from aqueous effluents. The efficiency of catalysts based on metallic nanoparticles in the tandem dehalogenation-hydrogenation reaction as a pre-treatment for the remediation of organic halogenated pollutants was studied. Two catalytic systems - aqueous colloidal Rh-0 dispersions and SiO2-supported Rh-0 nanoparticles - were easily prepared under mild conditions and were compared in the hydrodehalogenation reaction of the model substrates. Interesting results in terms of catalytic activity were obtained, particularly with Rh-0@SiO2 catalyst, which proved to be more stable and efficient under the reaction conditions. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.