The decolorization of azo dye C.I. Acid Yellow 23 (AY23) by Fenton process was investigated. The decolorization rate is strongly dependent on the initial concentrations of the Fe2+ and H2O2. The optimum operational conditions were obtained at pH 3. A kinetic model has been developed to predict the decolorization of AY23 at different operational conditions by Fenton process. The model allows to simulate the system behavior involving the influence of hydrogen peroxide, Fe(II) and dye concentrations. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.