In this study, to increase the Cr(VI) adsorption capacity of bauxite, heat treatment method was tested and the effects of pH, adsorbent dosage, contact time, initial Cr(VI) concentration and temperature on the adsorption of Cr(VI) were investigated. Although heating provides an enhanced adsorption, the heat-activated bauxite was found to be a weak adsorbent for Cr(VI). The maximum adsorption yield (64.9%) was obtained at the conditions of pH 2, activated bauxite dosage of 20 g l(-1), contact time of 180 min, for the initial Cr(VI) concentration of 10 mg l(-1) and temperature of 20degreesC by using the bauxite sample heated at 600degreesC. The adsorption data fit a first-order rate expression and Langmuir isotherm. Enthalpy, free energy and entropy changes were calculated from the isotherm data. The adsorption of Cr(VI) onto heat-activated bauxite was found to be exothermic. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.