The ability of coconut (Cocos nucifera L) coir dust to remove Zn(II) ions from aqueous solution by adsorption was studied. The extent of removal of Zn (II) was found to be dependent on contact time, pH and particle size of the adsorbent. The optimum time, pH and particle size was found to be 60 mins, 7.5 and 50 microns respectively. The adsorption studies include both equilibrium adsorption isothems and kinetics. Several isotherm models were investigated and the adsorption isotherm data were best represented by the Freundlich isotherm. The kinetic data were well described by the pseudo- second order kinetic model. The mechanism of adsorption process was determined from the intraparticle diffusion model. The results indicate that coir dust could be employed as a lowcost alternative for the removal of Zn (II) ions from solution.
