This study examines the possibility of using mangosteen shell to remove low concentrations of lead, zinc and cobalt (less than 100 mg/l) from aqueous solution. It was found that the biosorption capacities were significantly affected by solution pH, contact time and initial metal ions concentration. Un-extracted and extracted dyes of mangosteen shell were investigated. Moreover higher pH up to 5 favoring higher metal ion removal. Kinetic and isotherm experiments were carried out at the optimal pH: at pH 5.0 for lead and zinc, and at pH 4.0 for cobalt. The metal removal rates were rapid, with 90% of the total adsorption taking place within 60 min. Mangosteen shell showed the highest potential for the removal of toxic metals in aqueous solution. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.