Fixed-bed adsorption and desorption of salicylic acid onto activated charcoal (Filtrasorb F400) and onto polymeric adsorbents (Sephabeads SP207 and SP206) were studied. A mathematical model using the salicylic acid adsorption equilibrium data and linear driving force rate equations to describe diffusional mass transfer was used for the simulations. With the Sephabeads SP206 adsorbent, we have measured breakthrough curves in a pilot-scale fixed bed. Also, an experiment of parametric pumping was performed to demonstrate the feasibility of water purification from salicylic acid liquid streams. The temperature in the parametric pumping system was cycled between 293 and 333 K.