The reductive transformation of azobenzene and selected derivatives was investigated in anaerobic sediment/water systems. The azo compounds exhibited pseudo-first-order disappearance kinetics through at least three half-lives. The reduction kinetics of these compounds was studied as a function of their reduction potential and sediment/water distribution coefficient. There was no apparent correlation between the observed disappearance rate constant and reduction potential. Chemical sterilization of the sediment/water sample with formaldehyde and treatment with m-cresol, a dehydrogenase inhibitor, or sodium azide, a metabolic inhibitor, had little effect on the observed reduction rate constants for azobenzene, indicating an abiotic reduction process. Heat sterilization indicated that the reducing agent was heat labile.