BACKGROUND: Nickel is a highly toxic metal which is discharged into receiving waters by several industries, in particular, electroplating, PCB and electronics manufacturers. In the present study, a new ion exchanger has been assessed for its ability to remove nickel from solution. RESULTS: By comparing the SSE of different models in the nickel metal ion system, it seems that Redlich-Peterson isotherm was the best fit model for the three metal ions. But the Langmuir was of a very similar magnitude. The equilibrium sorption capacity has been determined as 2.18mmol/g and the batch contact time studies have been analyzed and compared using three kinetic models. The rate data were best correlated using the Elovich kinetic model. CONCLUSION: The batch sorption system is a well developed system for the application in the field of water pollution collected in small scale plants. The suitability of a sorbent is determined by the cost, sorption performance and regeneration efficiency. The sorption capacity of resin for nickel metal ions was determined as 2.18 mmol/g. In order to develop a treatment system design it is also important to determine the best kinetic model, Elovich kinetic model, to describe the rate of nickel removal. (C) 2008 Society of Chemical Industry