The batch experiments by response surface methodology (RSM) have been applied to investigate the influences of operating parameters such as temperature, initial concentration, contact time and adsorbent dosage on 2,4- dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) adsorption with an activated carbon prepared from waste citrus peel (WCAC). Regression equation formulated for the 2,4-DCP adsorption was represented as a function of response variables. Adequacy of the model was tested by the correlation between experimental and predicted values of the response. A fairly high value of R2 (0.9921) indicated that most of the data variation was explained by the regression model. The significance of independent variables and their interactions were tested by the analysis of variance (ANOVA) and t-test statistics. These results showed that the model used to fit response variables was significant and adequate to represent the relationship between the response and the independent variables. The kinetics and isotherm experiment data can be well described with the pseudo-second order model and the Langmuir isotherm model, respectively. The maximum adsorption capacity of 2,4- DCP on WCAC calculated from the Langmuir isotherm model was 345.49 mg/g. The rate controlling mechanism study revealed that film diffusion and intraparticle diffusion were simultaneously occurring during the adsorption process. The thermodynamic parameters indicated that the adsorption reaction of 2,4-DCP on WCAC was an endothermic and spontaneous process.