Strain Z3 was isolated from nitrobenzene-contaminated sludge. Strain Z3 was able to utilize nitrobenzene as a sole source of carbon, nitrogen and energy under aerobic condition. Based on the morphology, physiological biochemical characteristics, and 16S rDNA sequence, strain Z3 was identified as Micrococcus luteus. Strain Z3 completely degraded nitrobenzene with initial concentration of 100, 150, 200, and 250 mg L-1 within 70,96,120 and 196 h, respectively. Kinetics of nitrobenzene degradation was described using the Andrews equation. The kinetic parameters were as follows: q(max) = 1.19 h(-1), K-s = 29.11 mg L-1, and K-i = 94.00 mg L-1. Strain Z3 had a high salinity tolerance. It degraded 200 mg L-1 nitrobenzene completely in 5% NaCl (w/w%). Strain Z3 therefore could bean excellent candidate for the bio-treatment of nitrobenzene industrial wastewaters with high salinity. This is the first report on the degradation of nitrobenzene by M. luteus and the degradation of nitrobenzene achieved in such a high salinity. (c) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.