Ozonation kinetics for the degradation of phthalate esters in water and the reduction of toxicity in the process of O3/H2O2

► Second rate constant of four PAEs with ozone alone and hydroxyl radical were reported. ► Rate constants were confirmed using river water as background in combination with Rct. ► Model Rct is not appropriate in heterogeneous catalytic ozonation processes. ► Toxicity was evaluated in the process of O3/H2O2.