Low-cost materials containing carboxyl groups have been synthesized by grafting succinic anhydride onto sawdust and cotton fibers. These materials were used after activation with NaHCO3 for the removal of Cu2+ from water. Removal of copper was carried out at different concentrations in a discontinuous reactor and in a continuous adsorption column. The adsorption of Cu2+ obeys to the Langmuir isotherm law and the values determined for the separation factor show that the system adsorbent/adsorbed substance is favorable to the adsorption process. Copper desorption and adsorbent regeneration can be achieved with diluted acid.