The use of algae is an effective approach to remove phenol and its derivatives from polluted water. The growth behavior, glucose consumption and phenol removal efficiency of Chlorella vulgaris under the synergistic effects of glucose and phenol were investigated. The evolutions of tolerance and removal efficiency of C. vulgaris to phenol under different trophic modes and glucose contents were observed. The results revealed that growth of C. vulgaris were inhibited with the increase of phenol from 0 to 400 mg L in culture media; the tolerance to phenol enhanced with the addition of glucose from 2 to 10 g L, while glucose consumption was inhibited with the increase of phenol content; phenol removal efficiency varied with glucose concentrations in mixotrophic media. The finding suggested that phenol inhibited the growth of C. vulgaris and glucose assimilation under mixotrophic cultivation, while appropriate glucose addition could enhance the tolerance of C. vulgaris to phenol and affect the phenol removal efficiency.