The effects of different phosphorus concentrations in culture media on the growth and enzyme production of Phanerochaete chrysosporium was investigated at a glucose concentration of 10 g L-1. The results showed that the optimal KH2PO4 concentration was 2.0 g L-1. Optimal phosphorus content not only supported robust growth of P. chrysosporium, but also helped produce higher yields of manganese-dependent peroxidase (MnP) (324.9 U L-1). In addition, the results revealed that a relationship between the consumption of total phosphorus (TP) and fungal growth and enzyme production existed in P. chrysosporium cultures. Over a range of 0-0.5 g L-1 KH2PO4 concentration in the medium, the biomass and MnP activity increased in proportion to phosphorus concentration. When the KH2PO4 concentration reached 0.5 g L-1, it was generally found that the increase in biomass gradually slowed down, while MnP production decreased greatly with an increase in phosphorus concentration. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.