The potential feasibility of activated carbon derived from oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) for the removal of 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) from aqueous solution was studied. The activated carbon was prepared via chemical activation with phosphoric acid. The effect of contact time, initial concentration (25-250 mg/L), temperature (30-50 degrees C) and pH (2-12) were investigated. The experimental data were analyzed by the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The equilibrium data were best represented by Langmuir isotherm model, with a maximum monolayer adsorption capacity of 232.56 mg/g at 30 degrees C. The adsorption kinetics was well described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The empty fruit bunch based activated carbon (EFBAC) was shown to be a promising material for adsorption of 2,4-DCP from aqueous solutions. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.