In order to overcome the difficulty in choosing the right type from numerous adsorbents available for treating wastewater containing low concentration ammonia，according to the theory of ion exchange，zeolite，alumina and cinder were used to absorb simulated wastewater，and adsorption isotherms were drawn（the concentration of ammonia-nitrogen was 50 mg·L-1）.Further research was done on the ion exchange rate of adsorbents and exchange capacity at different pH values and temperatures.The adsorption of ammonia was tested through the treatment of industrial wastewater.The experiment indicated that zeolite and alumina could meet the Langmuir isotherm mode，while cinder could meet the Freundlich isotherm mode.Their largest absorbance were 8.29 mg·g-1，1.69 mg·g-1 nd 2.16 mg·g-1 respectively.The results showed that treating low ammonia wastewater with zeolite had better effect，quick response and wide applicability.