Oak activated carbon was modified and used for the removal of lead ions from water. A new modification route was performed using glutaraldehyde as the active complexing ligand. The fictionalization was done through a two step modification route. The particle size distribution was determined by Granulometric analysis and the functional groups were identified by FT-IR spectroscopy. This modification method was found to be very efficient for lead adsorption. The effects of contact time, pH and initial lead concentration were investigated. The experimental kinetic data were well fitted by the pseudo-second order kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm with a maximum adsorption capacity up to 137 mg g (1). The selectivity for lead ions was examined as well in the presence of cadmium ions. The mechanism of lead removal by the modified carbon was also studied. (C) 2016 The Society of Powder Technology Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. and The Society of Powder Technology Japan. All rights reserved.