In the present paper, we study the adsorption of Cu2+ from industrial wastewater and aqueous solutions at 293 K, by a by-product of activated carbon (raw charcoal) obtained from reeds. A method for preparation of raw charcoal was established and the main adsorption characteristics of metal ions were examined, as well as the static and dynamic conditions of the adsorption process. The adsorbent properties of the charcoal used were also studied. The presence of other metal ions in the solution decreases the adsorption capacity for copper, and the chemical nature of the charcoal surface and metal ions have a great significance for the adsorption process. The surface area of charcoal was about 400 m(2) g(-1) at a carbonization temperature of 973 K.