Removal of benzene vapor from gaseous streams was studied in two identically sized lab-scale biofiltration columns: one filled with a mixture of raw sugarcane bagasse and glass beads, and the other one packed with a mixture of ground sugarcane bagasse and glass beads, in the same volume ratio, as filter materials. Separate series of continuous tests were performed, in parallel, under the same operating conditions (inlet benzene concentration of 10.0, 20.0 or 50.0 mg m(-3), and superficial gas velocity of 30.6, 61.2 or 122.4 m h(-1)) in order to evaluate and compare the influence of the packing material characteristics upon the biofilter effectiveness. The maximum elimination capacities obtained, at an inlet load of 6.12 g m(-3) h(-1), were 3.50 and 3.80 g m(packing matcrial)(-3) h(-1) with raw and ground sugarcane bagasse, respectively. This was a preliminary study and the results obtained suggest only a limited application with more work needed.