Al3+ and PO3-4 on the adsorption of phenol by MnO2 formed in situ were studied in aqueous solution.The behavior and adsorption mechanism were investigated.The adsorption isotherm was of “S” shape.The adsorption process of phenol on MnO2 formed in situ was divided into adsorption on the external surface of MnO2 formed in situ and diffusion to the interior of MnO2.Phenol adsorption capacity decreased slightly with increasing pH in the range of 6—9,but declined to nearly zero at pH≥10.The presence of a small amount of aluminum ion adsorbed onto the oxide surface changed the surface characteristics
which promoted the adsorption of phenol.Phosphate inhibited the adsorption of phenol by forming a negatively charged complex with phenol.