Adsorption finds application in reaction engineering, environmental engineering and petrochemical engineering. Removal of many components of flue gases can be carried out by adsorption. The research on removal of heavy metals, dyes has also been carried out by number of investigators. The studies on batch adsorption mainly include isotherm, kinetics and effect of various parameters. In petrochemical industries, the catalyzed reactions involve adsorption. Also the recovery of oil from wastewater can be carried out by adsorption. The removal of sulphur or desulphurization also can be carried out by adsorption. Removal of various pollutants from flue gases and wastewater can be carried out by adsorption. The present review summarizes the research carried out on adsorption related to its application in petrochemical and refining industries.