A composite poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/cellulose membranes were prepared by coating PVA mixture solutions on the filter paper. Properties of the composite membranes and its application in a batch stirred ultrafiltration were studied for metal removal from aqueous solutions PVA and alginic acid (AA) were used as complexing agents to enhance the retention of metal ions In the filtration of single Fe(III) and Cu(II) solutions in the presence of complexing agent polymers, the effects of pressure and pH on the retention and the flux were studied. The maximum retention of metals was found as 82% for Fe(III) solution at pressure of 60 psi and pH of 3 in the presence of AA as complexing agent by using a PVA/cellulose membrane containing 0 9 ml of PVA solution 0 25(w/v)% per cm(2) of the membrane (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V All rights reserved.