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Water pollution is a critical environmental concern, and this study explores the potential of utilizing adsorbents from palm fatty acid distillate (PFAD) for the removal of methylene blue (MB) and congo red (CR) dyes from aqueous solution. The PFAD, a by-product of palm oil refining is a valuable adsorbent feedstock because it is freely available, abundant and high in carbon content. The PFAD adsorbents were synthesized via zinc chloride activation and characterized for elemental composition, specific area, surface chemistry and morphology. The process converts the semi-solid PFAD into solid adsorbents with surface area ranging from 22 m2/g to 222 m2/g. The specific area significantly increased with pyrolysis temperature, and so the adsorption of dyes. The results provide insights into the viability of PFAD adsorbents for effective removal of MB and CR dyes. Nonetheless, the process optimization and the true potential of PFAD adsorbents should be further explored.