The sorption of Na+ and Ca2+ from aqueous solutions onto unbleached kraft fiber was investigated. The sorption kinetics was found to be highly dependent on pH, initial concentration, and temperature. The sorption rate increased as the initial concentration and pH were increased. Thermodynamic and kinetic results indicated that the sorption of Na+ and Ca2+ onto kraft fiber was exothermic, reversible, and spontaneous with activation energies of 11.0 and 23.3 kJ/mol, respectively. The sorption kinetics followed a pseudo-second-order model and the equilibrium data followed the Langmuir isotherms. The fiber sorption capacities calculated from the Langmuir isotherms were similar to the fiber charges determined by potentiometric titration at pH > 7. (c) 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.