Abstract: The recent advances in biodegradation of refractory organic compounds by immobilized microbial cells were reviewed.The organic pollutants include phenols (phenol,chlorinated phenol,cresol,nitrophenol,etc.),aromatic compounds (mono－,poly-& hetero－cyclic aromatic compounds) and other refractory organics (aliphatic amides,cyanides,pesticides,herbicides,surfactants,etc.).The application prospects and existing problems were evaluated.