The adsorption of methyl orange and methyl violet from aqueous solutions by Phragmites australis activated carbon (PAAC) was studied in a batch adsorption system. The adsorption studies include both equilibrium adsorption isotherms and kinetics. Several isotherm models were investigated and the adsorption isotherm data were best represented by the Temkin isotherms. The kinetic data were well described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The mechanism of the adsorption process was determined from the intraparticle diffusion model. The results indicate that PAAC could be employed as a low-cost alternative for the removal of the textile dyes from effluents. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.