This paper examines the application of the supported liquid membrane (SLM) to phenol removal. n-Decanol was proven to be a suitable membrane liquid. The phenol transfer kinetics through the SLMs is quantitatively estimated according to models based on the resistance-in-series concept. The models can be modified to describe the performance of decayed SLMs and thereby provide insight into the effect of membrane liquid loss and penetration of aqueous solutions on the phenol flux. An experimental method is described for the measurement of mass transfer coefficients in the bulk phases using the well-characterized Anopore membrane.