Development and application of low-cost and effective adsorbents to remove polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from effluents has become a research focus in recent years. We selected reed stem, ginkgo nut shell and hazelnut shell as adsorbents, and used acid hydrolysis as a simple modification technology. The adsorption isotherms of naphthalene to raw and modified adsorbents were controlled by partitioning. The adsorption capability of the hydrolysed hazelnut shell was notably enhanced at a higher level compared with that of other adsorbents. Results showed that the adsorption capacity (17250.42 μg/g) of modified hazelnut shell was observed for an initial naphthalene concentration of 25mg/L, with a contact time of 72 h, adsorbent dosage of 1 g/L and initial pH of 7.0. Furthermore, the regeneration capability of hydrolyzed hazelnut shell indicated that it was a promising adsorbent for naphthalene removal in wastewater treatment.