Two novel tailored activated carbons (BC-41-OG and BC-41-MnN) with favorable physicochemical characteristics were successfully prepared for adsorption of dissolved natural organic matter (DOM) by applying systematically chemical and thermal treatment. This research was conducted to investigate the impact of the presence of phenolics on the adsorption capacity of DOM. Isotherm tests were performed for both humic acid (HA) and phenolics on both novel tailored activated carbons and commercial activated carbon F400. The presence of phenolics display a significant effect on hindering the adsorption of HA, however; the physicochemical characteristics of novel activated carbons (surface metal oxides and mesoporosity) can play an important role in alleviating this effect. In contrast, F400, with a relatively lower mesoporosity and surface basicity as compared to the developed adsorbents, was severely impacted by the oligomerization of phenolic compounds. The adsorption capacity of DOM in presence of phenolics was further studied in a continuous flow microcolumn system. The column results showed that both BC-41-OG and BC-41-MnN have not only higher HA adsorption capacity but also better selective adsorption ability than F400. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.