In this study, a strain of Pseudomonas putida KP-T202, isolated from the soil in a contaminated site, degraded 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT). In order to make this biodegradation process commercially feasible and reduce biodegradation time, optimal environmental factors are determined. At an initial concentration of 100 mg/l, TNT was totally degraded within 15 h under aerobic conditions. The optimal conditions for the biodegradation of TNT were found to be 30degreesC, pH 7, 1% corn steep liquor (CSL), 0.025% NH4Cl and 0.1% Tween 80; the reaction rate constant was 0.348 h(-1). These environmental conditions can be used to improve the efficiency of large-scale reactors for the treatment of TNT-contaminated wastewater and soil. In addition, the intermediates were identified as 2-amino-4,6-dinitrotoluene, 4-amino-2,6-dinitrotoluene, 2,4-dinitrotoluene and 2,6-dinitrotoluene.