The sorption of Cu(II) and Cd(II) ions from dilute aqueous solutions by alginate beads was Studied. The investigations were carried out at constant temperature (25 degreesC) and constant pH (5,0). Equilibrium isotherms were determined for wide range of copper and cadmium concentrations in the solution (0,3-3 mmol/dm(3)). It was found that the Langmuir equation described the experimental data well and the equilibrium constants depended on concentration of alginate in the beads. Biosorbent showed higher sorption capacity for copper than for cadmium ions.