Aerobic granules have excellent settle ability and high-porosity structure. This study investigated the feasibility of aerobic granules as a novel type of biosorbent, for cadmium removal from industrial wastewater. Batch tests were carried out at different initial Cd2+ and granule concentrations. Based on experimental data, a kinetic model was developed to describe Cd2+ biosorption by aerobic granules. Results showed that the Cd2+ biosorption on aerobic granule surface was closely related to both initial Cd2+ and granule concentrations. The maximum biosorption capacity of Cd2+ by aerobic granules was 566 mg/g. This study for the first time shows that aerobic granules have a high biosorption capacity to Cd2+ and can be used as an effective biosorbent for the removal of cadmium or other types of heavy metals from industrial wastewater. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.