The removal of chelated copper from anthraquinone dyes by cementation on powdered iron was studied. The removal of chelated copper was found to be a function of solution pH, amount of NTA and iron, and reaction temperature. In the presence of NTA, reaction rate of cementation was found to be strongly dependent on reaction temperature, solution pH, amount of NTA and amount of iron powder. These experimental results can be explained successfully by the distribution of complexed copper iron in solutions.