In this study, process conditions for preparation of a highly-porous activated carbon (AC) from date palm bark were optimized through response surface methodology. The optimal conditions for AC preparation via thermal decomposition method combined by chemical activation using phosphoric acid were obtained 3 h activation time, 400 degrees C activation temperature, and 40 wt% for the amount of activating agent. Under the optimal conditions, the highest values for specific surface area and iodine number corresponded to 902 m(2)/g and 983 mg/g, confirming highly porosity in the AC structure. The as-prepared AC also showed impressive capabilities for elimination various pollutants including Arsenic (V), Methylene blue, Methyl orange, and Quercetin owing to its great surface area and presence of acidic functional groups on its surface. Finally, the commercial index was calculated around 451 m2/graw material confirming date palm bark can be considered as an inexpensive and promising precursor for AC commercial preparation. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.