In this article, the adsorption properties of crosslinked chitosan (CCTS) for V(V) and W(VI) were studied. Experimental results showed the adsorption rates of CCTS for V(V) and W(VI) were closely related to the acidity of solution. The adsorption rates were 97% for V(V) at pH 4.0 and 96% for W(VI) at pH 4.5. The adsorption balance times, adsorption capacities, and adsorption mechanism were explored. This research is of significance for removal of V(V) and W(VI) in industrial wastewater and their preconcentration in trace analysis. (C) 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.