Dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyl adsorbent obtained from enzymatic saccharification residue of lignocellulose

► Effective utilization of lignocellulose residue as an adsorbent. ► Japanese cypress wood flour pretreated with hydrothermal and ball-mill was saccharified. ► Saccharified residue was carbonized and activated by physical and chemical activation. ► Adsorption properties were investigated by pore analysis and adsorption tests of PCB. ► Activated carbons showed high production yields and adsorption properties for PCB.