Abstract: “The release of phenolic compounds in the effluents of petrochemical, textile and coal industry has resulted in contamination of receiving environment. It is very necessary to remove these compounds before discharge of effluents as phenol is toxic to nature. Among the treatment methods biodegradation is considered as cost effective method. The paper reviews various methods used for biodegradation of phenol.”

Keywords: Phenol, biodegradation, reactors, membrane bioreactor, fouling