A composition containing vanadium, and an amorphous carbon selected from
the group consisting of an activated carbon, an activated charcoal, and
combinations thereof, which is heated to a calcination temperature at or
less than about 210.degree. C. A method of preparing such composition is
also disclosed. The composition is employed in a process to remove a
heavy metal from a gaseous feed stream which can optionally include a
separate heavy metal adsorption stage.