Three different biochars as cost-effective substitutes for activated carbon (AC) were tested for their hydrogen sulfide (H2S) adsorption ability. The biochars were produced from camphor (SC), bamboo (SB), and rice hull (SR) at 400 degrees C by oxygen-limited pyrolysis. The surface area (SA), pH, and Fourier transform infrared spectras of the biochars and AC were compared. The maximum removal rates and the saturation constants were obtained using the Michaelis-Menten-type equation. The three biochars were found to be alkaline, and the SAs of the biochars were much smaller than that of the AC. The H2S breakthrough capacity was related to the local pH within the pore system of the biochar. The order observed in terms of both biochar and AC adsorption capacity was SR > SB > SC > AC. SR efficiently removed H2S within the inlet concentration range of 10-50 mu L/L. Biochars derived from agricultural/forestry wastes are a promising H2S adsorbent with distinctive properties. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.