This investigation examines metal ion adsorption on mesoporous silicate, MCM-41, synthesized from sodium silicate solution and cethyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). MCM-41 has potential as an adsorbent material, with a regular hexagonal pore structure, large specific surface area, and large pore volume. The MCM-41 synthesized for this investigation is characterized using powder X-ray diffraction and nitrogen adsorption and desorption isotherms data. The adsorption behavior for cadmium(II) and lead(II) onto MCM-41 was studied by contacting the mesoporous silicate with an aqueous solution of metal salts and acetylacetone. Both Cd2+ and Pb2+ were found to quantitatively adsorb onto MCM-41. The results of this study suggest that MCM-41 may have applications in the recovery of toxic metals from waste waters.