The sorption of Pb(II) and Cu(II) form aqueous media by Rosa bourbonia waste phyto-biomass (RBWPB) pretreated with organic acids was investigated as a function of biosorbent dosage, initial metal ions concentration and contact time. The equilibrium biosorption data was analyzed using two kinetic models (pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order) and two isotherm models (Langmuir and Freundlich). The RBWPB was successfully applied for sequestration of both heavy metal ions; however, organic acids pretreatments decreased the metal adsorption capacity of RBWPB. The Langmuir model fitted well to the data, and the pseudo-second order kinetic equation could best describe the biosorption kinetics of Pb(II) and Cu(II) metal ions. Gibbs free energy indicated the spontaneous adsorption of Pb(II) and Cu(II) onto RBWPB. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.