In this study, corncobs biomass was utilized as an adsorbent to remove Pb(II) from aqueous solution. The adsorption behavior of Pb(II) was studied under different conditions, including solution pH, contact time and metal concentration. Ground corncobs were modified with CH3OH and NaOH to investigate the effect of chemical modification on Pb(II) binding capacity. Results showed that Pb(II) binding on the biomass is pH-dependent and the kinetics can be well described by the Lagergren-second-order model. The maximum Pb(II) binding capacity q(max) calculated from Langmuir isotherm was 0.0783 mmol/g. After base hydrolysis of the biomass. Pb(II) binding capacity increased from 0.0783 to 0.2095 mmol/g (about 43.4 mg Pb/g). However, Pb(II) binding capacity on the esterified corncobs decreased greatly from 0.0783 to 0.0381 mmol/g. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis showed that hydroxyl and carboxylic (COO-) groups on the biomass play an important role in Pb(II) binding process. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) data further indicated that lead is adsorbed as Pb2+ and is attached to oxide groups on the biomass. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.