This study investigated the feasibility of applying ozone (O-3) to reduce the color content of wastewater caused by two commercial reactive dyes (Blue-19 and Orange-13). In the bench-scale experiment, experimental parameters including pH, ozone dosage, and reaction time were evaluated in a 14-L reactor to obtain the optimal operating conditions. Results show that ozone dosage and pH dominated the effectiveness of the decolorization process. The color content could be reduced from 2000 to 200 ADMI (American Dye Manufacture Institute) values within a reaction time of 30 min with the ozone input rate of 2.66 g/h. The pH values of 3 and 10 favored decolorization of Blue-19 and Orange-13, respectively. This was due to the effects that reactive and oxidizing species of molecular ozone and hydroxyl radicals were predominant at low and high pH. respectively. Moreover, molecular ozone was more selective to certain dye structures during the oxidation process. Kinetic analyses show that decolorization of Orange-13 and Blue-19 followed first-order kinetics. The degree of decolorization was primarily proportional to the ozone dosage. Results from this study provide insights into the characteristics and mechanisms of decolorization by the 03 technique. Results will also aid in designing a system for practical application. (C) 2009 Published by Elsevier B.V.