To explain the detailed process involved in phosphorus removal by periphyton, the periphyton dominated by photoautotrophic microorganisms was employed in this study to remove inorganic phosphorus (Pi) from wastewater, and the removal kinetics and isotherms were then evaluated for the Pi removal process. Results showed that the periphyton was capable of effectively removing Pi that could completely remove the Pi in 24 h at an initial Pi concentration of 13 mg P L(-1). Furthermore, the Pi removal process by the periphyton was dominated by adsorption at initial stage (~24 h), which involved physical mechanistic process. However, this Pi adsorption process was significantly influenced by environmental conditions. This work provides an insight into the understanding of phosphorus adsorption by periphyton or similar microbial aggregates.