Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 13 3 2021 06 05 407 417 EN Doaa Khalil Department of Botany, Faculty of Sciences, Aswan University, Aswan, Egypt; Department of Biological Science, Unit of Environmental Studies and Development, Aswan University, Aswan, Egypt Mohamed Salah Massoud Department of Botany, Faculty of Sciences, Aswan University, Aswan, Egypt; Department of Chemistry, Science & Arts College, Alqurayyat, Jouf University, Al-Jawf, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Soad El-Zayat Department of Botany, Faculty of Sciences, Aswan University, Aswan, Egypt; Department of Biological Science, Unit of Environmental Studies and Development, Aswan University, Aswan, Egypt Magdi El-Sayed Department of Botany, Faculty of Sciences, Aswan University, Aswan, Egypt; Department of Biological Science, Unit of Environmental Studies and Development, Aswan University, Aswan, Egypt; Department of Biological Science, Molecular Biotechnology Program, Field of Advanced Basic Sciences, Galala University, New Galala City, Egypt 2021 01 17 2021 04 21 Background and Objectives: The use of endophytic fungi for management of phenol residue in paper and pulp industries has been shown as cost-effective and eco-friendly approach. In this study, isolation of endophytic fungi from roots, stems, and leaves of Hibiscus sabdariffa was conducted. Additionally, the isolated fungi were examined for their ability to degrade phenol and its derivatives in paper and pulp industrial samples, using different growth conditions. Materials and Methods: Out of 35 isolated endophyitc fungi, 31 were examined for their phenol biodegradation capacity using Czapek Dox broth medium containing Catechol and Resorcinol as a sole carbon source at final concentrations of 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8%. Results: A total of 35 fungal species belonging to 18 fungal genera were isolated and identified from different parts of H. sabdariffa plants. All strains have the capability for degrading phenol and their derivatives with variable extents. The optimum condition of degrading phenol in paper and pulp effluent samples by Fusarium poae11r7 were at pH 3-5, temperature at 28-35°C, good agitation speed at no agitation and 100 rpm. Conclusion: All endophytic fungal species can utilize phenol and its derivatives as a carbon source and be the potential to degrade phenol in industrial contaminants. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/2943 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/2943/1359