The effect of inoculation with Phanerochaete chrysosporium (P. chrysosporium) during different fermentation phases on remediation of pentachlorophenol (PCP)-contaminated soil waste (PSW) was investigated over 60 days. This was accomplished by evaluating physico-chemical and biochemical properties of composts, as well as bacterial community composition using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). Results showed that the inoculations could significantly enhance composting efficiency and PCP removal. The best degree of maturity and highest PCP removal occurred in Run C (inoculation during the second fermentation phase) were compared with Runs A (control treatment) and B (inoculation during the first fermentation phase). A positive effect on production of manganese peroxidase (MnP) and lignin peroxidase (LiP) was found in inoculated runs, especially in Run C, while the production of laccase (Lac) was limited by P. chrysosporium inoculants. As a result of DGGE analysis, the compost bacterial community composition was altered by different inoculations, as indicated by the differences between the final composts. This study highlights the different effects of the inoculations on remediation performance of PSW. The inoculation during the second fermentation phase is more effective than that during the first fermentation phase. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.