By using potassium permanganate impregnation method,common activated carbon was processed in 0. 079 mol/L KMnO4 solution at 650℃ to obtain modified activated carbon loaded with manganese oxide,and then different quantities of common activated carbon and modified activated carbon were used to adsorb 0. 3 mg/m3 formaldehyde. The results showed that carbon and manganese atoms on the surface of modified activated carbon could adsorb formaldehyde,and the removal rate of 0. 3 mg/m3 formaldehyde by 30 g of modified activated carbon reached 80%,increased one time compared with that by common activated carbon. Different amounts of activated carbon had various effects on the adsorption of formaldehyde,and the best usage of common activated carbon and modified activated carbon was 100 and 30 g respectively.