The acceleration of sludge granulation using the chlamydospores of Phanerochaete sp. HSD

► Seeding the chlamydospores of Phanerochaete sp. HSD to SBR can accelerate sludge granulation. ► We reveal the annual ring-like multilayer structure of aerobic granule. ► We propose the mechanism of accelerated sludge granulation. ► Accelerated granular sludge reactor has better removal performance toward phenol wastewater.