The adsorption of nitrobenzene on active carbon was researched. The experimental results shown the adsorption of nitrobenzene on active carbon can be described by Freundlich's adsorption model. On the other hand, beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) and hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HP-beta-CD) can react with nitrobenzene to form inclusion complex, which will enhance the aqueous solubility of nitrobenzene. By using different concentrations of beta-CD and HP-beta-CD as extractants, nitrobenzene on active carbon has been desorbed statically. As a comparison, surfactant CTAB and SDS were also selected as extractants. The desorbing of mechanism has been discussed. The low concentration of NB was effectively condensed by enrichment of active carbon and desorption of HP-beta-CD, HP-beta-CD is regarded as a potential extractant to deal with soil, sediment or active carbon. (C) 2008 Published by Elsevier B.V.