This work investigates the effects of flow rate (5-15 Bed Volumes/h), particle size (0.8-1.7 mm), concentration (0.005-0.02 N) and Na+-enrichment of natural clinoptilolite on the removal efficiency of Pb2+, Cu2+, Fe3+ and Cr3+ in aqueous solutions. Ion exchange is performed in an upflow fixed bed reactor. The removal efficiency is increased with decreasing flow rate, particle size and concentration and is improved by a factor of 2-10, depending on the specific metal. The modification of the natural sample is favorable, leading to an increase of removal efficiency by 32-100%. For the experimental conditions examined, removal efficiency order is the following: Pb2+ > Cr3+ > Fe3+ greater than or equal to Cu2+. Finally, the operation is influenced by the studied parameters, following the order: concentration > volumetric flow rate > particle size > modification of the material. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.