The activated carbon is a very versatile adsorbent, because the size and the distribution of their pores in the carbonaceous structure can be controlled through the carbonization processes and activation. At the present time, the activated carbon is used to remove color, scent, flavor and infinity of polluting products. The presence of heavy metals, as the Pb(II) in the atmosphere and water can be harmful, especially for the man. The present work had as objective to optimize the conditions of activation of the activated carbon obtained starting from bamboo species Bambusa Olhamii and its application in the removal of Pb(II) in watery solutions.

Bamboo was used to obtain carbon which was subjected to an activation in an atmosphere of vapor using the methodology of answer surface and a design of experiments 2² with five central points, having as answer variable the number of iodine and factors time (60 and 180min) and activation temperature (450 and 650°C) and five central points, at 550°C and 120min, the conditions that maximize the superficial area of the activated carbon of bamboo were obtained, a characterization of the activated carbon using norms ASTM was carried out and the chemical method of Bohem for the identification of groups functional superficial, the carbon was used in the removal of Pb (II) in watery solution, the good dose of carbon was identified, the time of balance and the concentration to which the biggest removal was obtained. It was looked to identify the isotherm pattern and of kinetics that better correlate the data of adsorption, as well as the diffusion mechanism that characterizes the system.

They were the good conditions of activation at a temperature of activation 550.98°C and a time of activation of 122.76min., it was characterized obtaining their real density (1.54g/cm³) and relative (0.2256g/cm³) as well as the content of ash (8.57%), pH (9.5), number of iodine (917mg/g), porosity (85.35) and humidity (4.63) and the functional groups of weak acids found in low percentage and a considerable value of basic functional groups.

The good dose of 0.8g, a pH of 5.5, where the maximum removal for an initial concentration of 5mg/L, went superior to 90%; the results of the experimental kinetics showed that the time where the balance was achieved it is of 12h; these results were adjusted the empiric models showing a better adjustment the pattern of Basso (R²=1). The characterization of the processes of adsorption was adjusted to the pattern of isotherm of Freundlich (R²=0.9994) the coefficients of ordinary, superficial diffusion were calculated and in the pore, showing that the stage that makes the control of these systems is the diffusion in the pore.

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