In this paper, the removal of phenol from simulated wastewater was studied using gas-liquid fluidized bed with the Fenton reagent. The factors that affect the removal rate of phenol were investigated, including the initial concentrations of hydrogen peroxide [H2O2] and [Fe2+], the molar ratio of [Fe2+]/[H2O2], pH value, temperatures, reaction time, and the ventilation volume. It was found that the optimal operating conditions existed as: [H2O2] = 12 mmol/L, [H2O2]/[Fe2+] = 4:1, pH=4, T=60 degrees C, reaction time of 30 min, and a ventilation volume of 0.12 m(3)/h. Under these conditions, the phenol removal rate of about 96% was obtained. (C) 2011 The Institution of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.