The efficiency of activated carbon prepared from Az adiracta indica bark [AIC] for the adsorption of Cu 2+ ions from aqueous solutions has been studied as a function of agitation time, adsorbent dosage, initial metal ion concentration, temperature and pH of adsorbate solution. The optimal conditions for the adsorption have been arrived at and experiments were conducted to determine the Langmuir constants, Freundlich par ameters and thermodynamic parameters such as ∆ G°, ∆ H° and ∆ S°. Desorption studies were also carried out for th e recovery of both adsorbent and the metal ions. The adsorption of Cu 2+ ions on to the surface of AIC has been confirmed by the analysis of IR spectra, XRD and SE M images before and after Cu 2+ adsorption.