The performance of 2,4,6trichlorophenol (2,4,6TCP) adsorption by powdered activated carbon (PAC) was investigated in aqueous solutions to evaluate the effects of PAC species,PAC dosage and temperature on the adsorption of 2,4,6TCP by PAC.The adsorption kinetics,thermodynamics and isothermal models were established.The removal efficiencies of 2,4,6TCP by the combination of PAC adsorption and preoxidation were figured out.The results indicate that the effects of all the three factors on adsorption of 2,4,6TCP are significant and follow the order of PAC dosage> PAC species> temperature.The PAC adsorption is an effective method to remove 2,4,6TCP.The adsorption rate of 2,4,6TCP by PAC is rapid and more than 80% adsorption capacity of PAC can be reached within the initial 20 min.The adsorption behaviors can be well described by pseudo second order adsorption kinetic model and Freundlich adsorption isotherm model.The adsorption of 2,4,6TCP by PAC is spontaneous,exothermic and entropy decreasing.The combination of PAC adsorption and preoxidation can enhance the removal of 2,4,6TCP.