Removal of aqueous phenol was examined by the simultaneous use of ozone and porous carbon adsorbents possessing different porous Structures and surface properties. The removal efficiency of aqueous phenol was higher with the simultaneous use of ozone and carbon adsorbents than the use of ozone alone, due to the adsorptive-concentration effect of the adsorbents. The enhancement effect of macroporous carbon cryogel beads (CCB) oil the ozonation of aqueous phenol was confirmed to be greater than in microporous activated carbon beads. Introduction of acidic functional groups to CCB by liquid-phase oxidation significantly diminished the adsorptive-concentration effect of CCB, since the interaction of aqueous phenol with the surface of CCB decreased. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.