The decolorization of six vinylsulphone reactive dyes (C.I. Reactive Yellow 15, C.I. Reactive Red 22, C.I. Reactive Blue 28, Remazol Dark Black N 150%, C.I. Reactive Blue 220 and C.I. Reactive Black 5) in aqueous solution was investigated using ultrasound and ultrasound/hydrogen peroxide degradation. Two different concentration levels of hydrogen peroxide were used. The efficiency of the decolorization was evaluated by measuring the absorbance of the dye solutions. The results show that ultrasound treatment was significantly enhanced in the presence of H2O2. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.