Cellulose xanthogenates, derived from the straw of Eichhornia crassipes, were prepared as adsorbents for heavy metals by CS2 sulfonation and magnesium substitution after degumming with alkali, self-isolated A(1) strain and pectase, respectively. The effects of three degumming treatments were compared by functional groups analysis, surface morphology and surface element composition and heavy metal (Pb2+) adsorption studies. The results demonstrate that bio-degumming treatments by A(1) strain and pectase have weaker degumming effects than alkali treatment. However, the surface characteristics of the bio-degumming products, especially the pectase degumming product, are more beneficial to heavy metal adsorption. In comparison to that of the raw plant materials, the Pb2+ adsorption performances of the three xanthogenates improved significantly, although no obvious differences being observed among themselves. From an environmental point of view, the two bio-degumming treatments, especially the pectase degumming treatment, are more beneficial to prepare heavy metal adsorbents than the alkali degumming treatment. Crown Copyright (C) 2011 Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.