The adsorption of organics from aqueous solutions on the oxidized activated carbon samples obtained by gradual abrasion of granules is studied. The low temperature nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms are applied to determine the parameters of porous structure of investigated materials. The chemistry of adsorbent surface is characterized using XPS technique and Boehm titration method. The adsorption isotherms of three organic substances from dilute aqueous solutions are also measured. The influence of changes of surface properties inside of a carbon particle on organic solute adsorption from aqueous solutions is analyzed and discussed. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.