This study reports on the adsorption of 2-chlorophenol from an aqueous solution using activated carbon prepared by H 2 SO 4 activation of the pericarp of Ricinus communis (RCAC). The pericarp was carbonized and activated by treating with H 2 SO 4 solution followed by heating in an oven at 105°C for 12 hrs. Batch adsorption experiments were carried out as a function of pH, contact time, initial concentration of the adsorbate, adsorbent dosage and temperature of the solution. Kinetic data were best fit to a pseudo-first-order rate equation for the adsorption of 2-chlorophenol on RCAC. Thermodynamic parameters ΔH o , ΔS o and ΔG o for the adsorption were also determined which shows that adsorption on the surface of RCAC was spontaneous in nature, and exothermic between temperatures of 20°C and 80°C. The equilibrium data better fit the Langmuir isotherm model for 2-chlorophenol adsorption on RCAC. IR spectrum for loaded and unloaded RCAC was obtained and found to be in good agreement. ARTICLE HISTORY