A study was conducted on the efficacy of the system based on the simultaneous use of ozone and powdered activated carbon (PAC) in removing sodium dodecylbenzenesulphonate (SDBS) from waters intended for human consumption and on the influence of operational parameters (PAC dose, ozone dose and presence of natural organic matter (NOM)) on this process. Results obtained showed that the presence of low doses of PAC during SDBS ozonation markedly increased the rate of SDBS removal from the medium. These results are due to the combined effect of two processes: i) SDBS adsorption on the activated carbon surface, and ii) transformation of the dissolved ozone into HO^· radicals which are catalyzed by PAC. It was also found that the presence of low concentrations of natural organic components (gallic (GAL) and humic acid (HUM)) (1 mg/L) during SDBS ozonation increases both the ozone decomposition rate and the rate of SDBS removal from the medium. Because of the low reactivity of SDBS with ozone, these effects are mainly due to an increase in the transformation rate of ozone into HO• radicals. Results obtained demonstrate that the presence of GAL and HUM during SDBS ozonation increases the concentration of O₂-• radicals in the medium, confirming that these compounds act as initiating agents of ozone transformation into HO•. Presence of GAL and HUM during SDBS removal by O₃/PAC system also increases the SDBS degradation rate, confirming the role of these compounds as initiators of ozone transformation into HO• radicals.