Carbon sorbents are derived from Kuznetsk Basin D, G, SS, and T coal by alkali activation. Their specific surface is estimated. The elemental composition of the sorbents is determined by X-ray fluorescent microanalysis. The composition of the surface oxygen-bearing groups is analyzed by titration. The ability of the sorbents to extract pollutant ions—specifically, iron(III), chromium(III), manganese(II), cadmium(II), molybdenum(VI), and nickel(II) cations and nitrite, nitrate, chloride, and fluoride anions—from aqueous solutions is analyzed. The carbon sorbents differ in their ability to absorb various pollutants from water. In water treatment, the sorbent that best matches the impurities to be removed must be selected.