The catalytic wet and dry oxidation of organic substances adsorbed on mixed oxides in relation to the development of solid regenerable catalytic adsorbents for the recycling of rinse water from electronic industries is discussed. The modification of oxide-type adsorbents by copper improves their regenerability, both by increasing the rate of complete oxidation of the adsorbed organic substances (Na-gluconate and triethanolamine) and by reducing other negative aspects such as the formation of NOx during the oxidation of triethanolamine, due to its role in catalyzing the oxidation in mild conditions of the absorbed species and the selective conversion to N-2 of the adsorbed amino groups. (C)2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.