Synthesis and characterisation of activated carbon from agroindustrial waste—Preliminary study of 17β-estradiol removal from aqueous solution

•Agroindustrial wastes as adsorbents for removal 17β-estradiol in aqueous solution.•Activated carbon from coffee waste and wood sawdust (100%) had a better E2 removal than from apple waste (81.6%).•Leaching inorganic compounds with HCl, greater amount of pores (CS=0.0368cm3g−1 to ACCSA7=0.2822cm3g−1).•Hydrogen bonds interaction between adsorbent and E2 molecules.•Instantaneous dipole-induced dipole interaction between adsorbent and E2 molecules.