Adsorption using natural materials is now becoming one of the common methods used to remove heavy metals from effluents. The process is simple and it depends on the nature of adsorbate used for the removal of metal. Activated carbons prepared from plants are gaining momentum due to their economic and ecofriendly nature. They are found to be efficient in removing metals from different effluents. The industries discharge their effluent into the environment that causes pollution of soil, air and water. The preparation and utilization of activated carbon from plant resources are reported by many workers. Heavy metal are non degradable and regarded as cytotoxic, mutagenic and carcinogenic. Uptake of them by plants and animals are reported to produce toxic effects in them by interfering with their metabolism. The present study was carried out to prepare activated carbon from Pongamia glabra, Tamarindus indicus, Tesphesia populnea and Mangifera indica barks and assess its efficiency in removing the mercury content in solutions. The plant barks were found to be efficient in removing the heavy metals in different concentrations.
