The efficiencies of 15 commercially available activated carbons were tested for the separation of trace cobalt (Co-60) in buffer solutions at pH 5.0, 6.7, and 9.1. On the basis of the results four carbon products, Diahope-006, Eurocarb TN5, Hydraffin DG47, and Norit ROW Supra,were selected for further study. These carbons represented varying (low, medium, and high) cobalt removal efficiencies and were prepared of three typical raw materials : peat, coconut shell, or coal. Study was made of the effects on sorption efficiencies of factors of interest in metal/radionuclide-bearing waste effluents. These factors were pH, sodium ions, borate, and citrate.