Influence of rhamnolipids and Triton X-100 on adsorption of phenol by Penicillium simplicissimum

► The optimum pH was 7 for phenol adsorption by all the test biomasses. ► Treatment by rhamnolipids and Triton X-100 increased phenol adsorption. ► Treatment by surfactants increased cell surface zeta potential and hydrophobicity. ► Surfactants changed functional groups and element concentrations on cell surface. ► The pseudo-second-order model and Freundlich isotherms fit adsorption process well.