In this study, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) removal rate by different alkali and oxidative absorbing solutions (i.e., NaOH, Ca(OH)2, NaOCl, Ca(OCl)2, and water) was compared using a packed absorption column. The results showed that NaOH solution was the suitable absorbent based on its removal efficiency, mass transfer coefficient, and overall enhancement factor. NaOH solution was then selected for further experiments and the effects of operation parameters including initial pH of solution, liquid flow rate, and the height of the packed column were determined. For the initial gas concentration of 75 mg/m3 and the gas flow of 22.4 m3/h, the absorption by NaOH solution at the initial pH of 10.5, flow rate of 1 L/min, and packed height of 1.4 m resulted in the removal rate of 90.1% and H2S concentration in the effluent lower than the allowable value (i.e. 7.5 mg/m3, as given in QCVN 19 2009/BTNMT). The overall enhancement factor of 20.74 obtained from this study would be a good reference for designing the treatment system in practical applications. Keywords H2S, chemical absorption, gas scrubber, air pollution control.