Rapeseed oil cake was pyrolyzed at 500 degrees C for 30 min, carbonized at 800 degrees C for 1 h, activated with steam or KOH at 800 degrees C for 1 h, studied for sp. surface and pore vol. and then used for removal of PhOH or p-ClC6H4OH from aq. solns. The prepd. sorbent showed the sorption capacity by 35-38% higher than 2 com. activated carbons used for comparison.