Abstract: An adsorption process is disclosed for removal of acid gas contaminants from a liquid or gas which comprises providing an activated alumina adsorbent which is impregnated with a compound selected from the group consisting of one or more alkali metal compounds, one or more alkaline earth metal compounds, or a mixture of such compounds; contacting the liquid or gas containing acid gas contaminants with the activated alumina adsorbent to adsorb enough acid gas contaminant in the liquid or gas to lower the contaminant content of the liquid or gas, the alumina adsorbent being formed from agglomerated calcined alumina powder and provided with a mercury pore volume of pores greater than 500 angstroms at least 0.10 cc/g.