Abstract: A kind of phenol degrading bacteria (BW-1)，which was able to grow on phenol as sole carbon and energy sources，was isolated from the activated sludge of Northern Shenyang Wastewater Treatment Plant. The highest endurance capability of this bacterial strain for phenol was 2000 mg/L. The results showed that the bacterial strain had strong phenol degradation capability. The phenol degradation rate was above 80% when phenol concentration was 400 mg/L，the temperature was 35 ℃，the pH value was 6.0－7.5，the start culture medium was 60mL，the inoculation volume was 20％，the speed of shake bed was 120 r/min and reaction time was 6 hours. Gucose had some effects on the growth of bacteria and phenol degradation capability. When glucose condentration was 600 mg/L，phenol degradation rate of the bacterial BW-1 was still above 60%. It could be useful for treating phenol-containing wastewater with other kinds of carbon sources.