Adsorptive removal of water poisons such as Pb(II), Cu(II), Mn(II), Hg(II), CN-, microbes, nerve and blister agents (concentration range from 100 to 1000 mg/L) were studied by using adsorbents such as active carbon, impregnated carbon and bentonite loaded fabric strip. Removal of water poisons (99.5%) could be achieved with an optimum stirring time of 5-15 min and weight of adsorbent of 0.8-8.0 g/100 mL contaminated water, respectively. However, 85% bentonite loading was found to be most effective for Pb(II) removal. Effect of contaminants concentration was also studied. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.