Powdered waste sludge (PWS) obtained from a paint industry wastewater treatment plant and pretreated with 1% H2O2 was used for biosorption of Zn(II) ions from aqueous solution. The effects of operating conditions, pH, temperature, agitation speed, PWS particle size, Zn ion and PWS concentrations on the extent of Zn ion biosorption were investigated in batch experiments. The optimum pH resulting in maximum Zn ion biosorption was found to be pH = 5, since Zn ions precipitated in the form of Zn(OH)2 at pH levels above 5. The rate and extent of Zn ion biosorption increased with temperature between 25 and 50 degrees C, although biosorption was not strongly sensitive to temperature variations since the activation energy was low at 4.5 kcal mol(-1). Biosorbent particle size had a significant effect on Zn ion biosorption, yielding high percentage Zn removals at small particle sizes (D-p < 100 mu m) or large surface areas of PWS. Agitation speed also considerably affected the extent of Zn ion removal, and should be above 150 rpm in order to obtain a high rate. The extent of Zn ion biosorption was also affected by the initial Zn ion and PWS concentrations. At constant biosorbent (PWS) concentration, percentage Zn ion removal decreased, but the biosorbed Zn concentration increased with increasing initial Zn ion concentrations. However, at constant initial Zn concentrations, percentage Zn removal increased, but the biosorbed Zn ion concentration decreased with increasing adsorbent (PWS) concentration. With a maximum Zn ion biosorption capacity of 168 mg g(-1) powdered waste sludge was proven to be an effective biosorbent compared to other biosorbents. (c) 2006 Society of Chemical Industry.