Carbon nanotubes (CTNs) show exceptional adsorption capability and high adsorption efficiency for lead removal from water. The adsorption is significantly influenced by the pH value of the solution and the nanotube surface status, which can be controlled by their treatment processing. The adsorption isotherms are well described by both Langmuir and Freundlich models, Our results suggest that CNTs can be good Pb2+ adsorbers and have great potential applications in environmental protection. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.