The kinetics of zinc adsorption on charcoal was carried out. In order to study the kinetics of adsorption various parameters were studied such as pH, particle size of charcoal, temperature, amount of charcoal as well as initial Zn2+ ion concentration. The adsorption kinetics followed a Freundlich adsorption isotherm. Good correlation of the theoretical and experimental equilibrium concentrations of Zn2+ ions was observed for the isotherm model. A mathematical model was developed to explain the kinetic data. The rate determining step for adsorption was found to be diffusion controlled.