The removal of phenol by peroxidase-catalysed polymerization was examined using Coprinus cinereus peroxidase in the presence of surfactants. The non-ionic surfactants with poly(oxyethene) residues, Triton X-100, Triton X-405 and Tween 20, enhanced the phenol removal efficiency at a level similar to high relative molecular mass poly(ethylene glycol) (relative molecular mass 3000). Although the improvement in the removal efficiency was less than that of Triton X-100, Span 20, sodium lauryl sulfate (SDS) and lauryl trimethylammonium bromide (DTAB) also enhanced the removal efficiency. The requirement of the enzyme for almost 100% removal of 100 mg dm(-3) phenol decreased to one-fourth by the addition of 30 mg dm(-3) Triton X-100. Triton X-100, Triton X-405, Tween 20 and DTAB could reactivate the enzyme precipitated with the phenol polymer, leading to the restarting of the phenol removal reaction. (C) 2003 Society of Chemical Industry.