Adsorption of synthetic vanillin onto non-ionic polymeric resins Sephabeads SP206 by using static and dynamic approach has been investigated. The influence of temperature, flow rate, feed concentration of vanillin and concentration of sodium hydroxide was studied. Batch experiments were carried out in order to obtain adsorption equilibrium isotherms at temperatures 293, 310 and 333 K. The adsorption equilibrium isotherms have been described by the Langmuir model. The impact of sodium hydroxide on the adsorption of vanillin was investigated and for this purpose the modified Langmuir model of isotherm has been used. Increasing concentration of sodium hydroxide has significantly reduced the adsorbed amount of the vanillin onto polymeric adsorbent SP206. The mathematical model includes linear driving force for intraparticle mass transfer and reaction in liquid phase for the system vanillin/sodium hydroxide. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.