In an attempt to achieve water suitable for recycling from paper-mill effluent, photo-Fenton's advanced oxidation and chemical coagulation were investigated as options to remove both non-biodegradable COD and color from prebioremediated black liquor effluent. It was found that at the first bioremediation COD removal ranged from 35-98% and TSS removal ranged from 12-89%. Almost 20% of the heavy metals were removed. Photo-Fenton's UV advanced oxidation and lime coagulation combination treatment achieved complete removal of COD, TSS and color. It was able to remove 80-100% COD, 70-100% TSS and 77-100% color. The removal of heavy metals was enhanced to reach >80% removal. Two potential microbial species out of the eight tested strains were the most dominant species in the three media. Diplodia oryzae and Phaerochaete chrysosporium NRRL6364 enhanced the post-physicochemical treatment to reach optimum clean-up after 12 days of incubation at 32degreesC. They produced a medium-grade recycled water. Operating costs are outlined.