The removal efficiency of endosulfan from water by two low cost adsorbents viz. sal wood (Shorea robusta, family-Diptero carpaceae) charcoal and sand along with activated charcoal as the reference was investigated. For the selection of the suitable adsorbent for endosulfan uptake, the maximum adsorption capacity (Q(max)) was chosen as the main parameter. Using linearized forms of equilibrium models like Langmuir, BET, Freundlich, the maximum adsorptive capacities were determined. It was observed that the efficiency for removal of pesticide is higher in activated charcoal with 94% followed by sand 90%. The efficiency of sal wood charcoal is moderately high with 87% which can be regenerated after treatment with dilute HCl and HNO3. Though the efficiertcy of sand is better than sal wood charcoal, it cannot be regenerated. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.