Comparison analysis of linear least square method and nonlinear least square method for estimating the kinetic parameters was made using the experimental column data of methylene blue (MB) adsorption onto zeolite at different flow rates and initial concentration. The data were fitted to Thomas model equations using linear and nonlinear regressive analysis, respectively. The error analysis was performed. Present investigation showed that the linear and nonlinear methods are both suitable to predict the breakthrough curves using Thomas model parameters and the nonlinear method is better. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.