The proper extraction conditions for phenol, o-chlorophenol and o-nitrophenol were investigated by using the liquid-solid extraction system composed of Tween 80-sodium citrate-H2O. 10.5% (v/ v) Tween 80, 2.6000 g(.)l(-1) sodium citrate, extraction acidity of pH 5.95 had been found optimal for extraction of phenolic compounds. Under the above-mentioned conditions the once average recoveries of phenol, o-chlorophenol and o-nitrophenol in analogous water samples were 99.5%, 95.3%, 94.7%, respectively. When sodium citrate was as salt separate phase, the acidity of the solution not only could chang...