Phosphorus in the aquatic ecosystem comes in the form of orthophosphate, polyphosphate and phosphorus bound in organic matter. Large amounts of phosphorus and nitrogen present in water lead to an excessive accumulation of organic substances that cannot be irreversible eliminated by the ecosystem, i.e. to eutrophication (water bloom). In order to reduce water blooms, phosphorus is removed from the water by various techniques and methods (chemical precipitation, enhanced biological phosphorus removal, membrane technology and adsorption). Considering to the applicable methods, adsorption has proven to be a very promising method for highly efficient phosphate removal at very low concentrations, excellent selectivity, low cost, and ease of application. For adsorption purposes it it possible to use different adsorption materials, such as silica gel, food waste, activated carbon and polymers. Adsorption properties depend on the type of adsorption material, metal modification, methods of adsorbent preparation and conditions. High attention due to the excellent properties, environmental friendliness, low cost and simplicity, attracts the use of cheap adsorbents (by-products of the food industry). The aim of this study was the examine the efficiency and possibility of using a modified pumpkin shell to remove phosphorus from water. Phosphorus removal efficiency was monitored depending on the following factors: initial phosphorus mass concentration, initial solution pH value, adsorption time and adsorbent mass.