Abstract: There is described a method of making an adsorbent material comprising mixing first particulate material with a second material, homogenising the mixture of the first and second materials, incorporating an impregnating or coating material capable of carbonisation, and carbonising the mixture. Also described are adsorbent materials manufactured according to said method and the use of such adsorbent materials in the treatment of a contaminated liquid. Further described is a method of removing contaminants from a quantity of contaminated liquid.