The adsorption characteristics of the powdered activated carbon on four kinds of pesticides( dichlorvos,chlorothalonil,lindane and chlorphyrifos) were studied,and the influential factors of adsorption effect were discussed. Results showed that the powdered activated carbon could effectively remove the above four kinds of pesticides. It was rapid adsorption period before 30 min,and removal rate has reached 90%. Adsorption kinetics of the powdered activated carbon on pesticides corresponded with quasi-two-level kinetic equation,and both Freundlich and Langmuir adsorption isotherms could simulate the adsorption process of the activated carbon on pesticide well. Competitive adsorption between small-molecule organics in the water diverting from Yellow River and pesticides on micropore of the activated carbon would occur.