Ceria and doped ceria supported Pt and Ru catalysts were tested at 160 degrees C in the Catalytic Wet Air Oxidation (CWAO) of phenol. Catalysts were compared in terms of activity, selectivity and resistance towards fouling. The respective influences of metal phase and support were studied. Under the selected operating conditions, 100% phenol conversion could be reached. Contrary to what was expected, improved Oxygen Storage Capacities (OSC) accelerated the accumulation of adsorbed species on the catalyst surface, therefore limiting the catalytic performance. By contrast, high metal dispersions enhanced both the elimination of aqueous organic compounds and the degradation of heavy molecules involved in the catalyst fouling. The progressive decrease in activity induced by carbonaceous deposits could be kinetically modelled using a simple reaction scheme. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.