Experimental uptake curves were collected by a shallow bed technique at 298.2 K. Adsorbent particles employed were macroreticular (MR) resins and adsorbates were phenol and its derivatives. From the uptake curves and equilibrium data obtained by the so-called, batch bottle technique, equilibrium and kinetic parameters were determined and the effects of functional groups within both adsorbate molecules and adsorbent particles on those parameters are discussed. From the results, it became clear that physical and chemical properties, surface area of adsorbent functional group, and solubility of adsorbates affected adsorption equilibria. Also, nitro-functional groups seemed to hinder adsorption equilibria and kinetics. Results can be explained by the resonance effects of functional groups.