A novel and high-efficiency Fe3O4-alpha-MnO(2 )nanoflower-like catalyst was synthesized using a two-step hydrothermal method. The catalyst was used to activate persulfate (PS) to degrade bisphenol A (BPA) in aqueous phase. The mechanism of the Fe3O4-alpha-MnO2/PS system was investigated. X-ray photoelectron spectra and cyclic voltammograms showed that the mixed valence of Fe3O4-alpha-MnO2 was favorable to electron transfer between Fe and Mn elements. Apparently, this process promoted the circulation of Fe2+/Fe3+ and Mn3+/Mn4+, increasing the effectiveness of the catalyst to activate the PS. In addition, with ATR-FTIR analysis, the influence of phosphate confirmed the presence of -OH groups on the Fe3O4-alpha-MnO(2 )surface. Thus, these groups played crucial roles in the PS activation. Sulfate radicals were reacting species of great importance in BPA degradation. The degradation intermediates were also detected via GC-MS analysis, and the possible BPA degradation pathway was proposed.