A potentiostatically enhanced complexation model for open systems has been developed that describes the adsorption of heavy metal ions under different pH conditions and forcing electrostatic potentials. This model is based on the so-called complex formation models, and it assumes adsorption of only free ionic species, existence of one type of adsorption site, and limited adsorption site availability. The results show that potentially enhanced adsorption processes can be used for the adsorption of heavy metal ions at pH conditions where adsorption is weak, yet potentials are small enough to avoid reduction and plating, and also electrolysis of water. Moreover desorption can be achieved by turning off the applied potential or by reversing it, thereby avoiding the use of additional chemicals, e,g., a strong acid, to achieve regeneration,