This paper evaluates the Fenton process, involving oxidation and coagulation, for the removal of color and chemical oxygen demand (COD) from synthetic textile wastewater containing polyvinyl alcohol and a reactive dyestuff, R94H. The experimental variables studied include dosages of iron salts and hydrogen peroxide, oxidation time, mixing speed and organic content. The results show that color was removed mainly by Fenton oxidation. The color removal reached a maximum of 90% at a reaction time of 5 min under low dosages of H2O2 and Fe2+. In contrast, the COD was removed primarily by Fenton coagulation, rather than by Fenton oxidation. The ratio of removal efficiency between Fenton process and ferric coagulation was 5.6 for color removal and 1.2 for COD removal. It is concluded that Fenton process for the treatment of textile wastewater favors the removal of color rather than COD.