This paper presents the adsorption isotherm studies on coconut based activated carbon (AC) of different grades (650-1300 m(2)/g) to asses its efficiency for the removal of trinitrotoluene (TNT) from aqueous solutions. Freundlich and Langmuir adsorption isotherms are plotted and equilibrium constant and maximum adsorption capacity for each carbon is computed from the isotherm data. A linear relationship has been obtained between amount adsorbed and the surface area of carbons. The effect of varying amounts of carbon oxygen complexes on carbon surface modified by oxidation and degassing treatments, on the adsorption of TNT has also been studied. The results indicate that the increasing amount of chemisorbed oxygen on carbon has favourably influenced the adsorption behaviour of TNT.