The production of oxalate at different initial Pb2+ concentrations during solid-state fermentation of straw with Phanerochaete chrysosporium was investigated. It was found that the maximal peak value of oxalate concentration (22.84 mM) was detected at the initial Pb2+ concentration of 200 mg kg(-1) dry straw, while the minimum (15.89 mM) at the concentration of 600 mg Pb2+ kg(-1) dry straw, and at moderate concentration of Pb2+ the capability of oxalic acid secretion was enhanced. In addition, it was also found that more oxalic acid accumulation went together with better Pb2+ passivation effect and higher manganese peroxidase (MnP) activity. The present findings will improve the understandings of the interactions of heavy metals with white-rot fungi and the role of oxalate in lignin degradation system, which could provide useful references for more efficient treatment of Pb-contaminated lignocellulosic waste. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.