Removal of lead(II) from aqueous solution was studied using the powder of heartwood of Areca catechu as a new biosorbent under batch method at room temperature. Various sorption parameters such as contact time, initial concentration of lead(II) ion, effect of pH and amount of the biomass on the adsorption capacity of the biosorbent were studied. The adsorbent was effective for the quantitative removal of lead(II) ions in acidic conditions and equilibrium has been achieved in 25 min. The equilibrium adsorption data were fitted to Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherm models and the model parameters were evaluated. The kinetic study showed that the pseudo-second order rate equation better described the biosorption process. The FT-IR spectra of the adsorbent before and after treatment with lead(II) solution indicated that hydroxyl, carboxyl, amide and amine groups were major binding sites with the metal. This method is quite feasible, economic, time saving, and low cost. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.