The pore structure, chemical properties and adsorption behavior of activated carbons (ACs) derived from Arundo donax Linn using H4P2O7 activation by conventional (MC) and microwave heating methods (MAAC) were compared. MC was produced by carbonizing/activating at 600 degrees C for 1 h in a muffle furnace. MAAC was prepared with radiation power of 700W and radiation time of 15 min. N-2 adsorption/desorption isotherms. Boehm titration, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and adsorption capacity of ciprofloxacin (CIP) were used for this purpose. MAAC exhibited larger surface area (1567 m(2)/g) and larger micropore surface area (631 m(2)/g). Results from Boehm's titration and Fouriertransform infrared spectra suggested that AAC was characteristic of more acidic functionalities than MAAC. It was shown that MC presented better performance for CIP adsorption per unit surface area. The influence of the textural and surface properties of the adsorbents on the CIP adsorption was discussed. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.