Parthenium hysterophorous (L) is a perennial weed distributed all over the country. Carbonized parthenium activated with conc. H2SO4 and ammonium persulphate was effective in the removal of dyes, heavy metals and phenols. Variation in the percentage removal of adsorbates was observed with increase in the contact time. Among the adsorbates tested, the affinity of the activated parthenium carbon was highest for Hg2+, Methylene Blue and Malachite Green.