Abstract: The removal of Ni(II) and Cu(II) from aqueous solutions by a low cost sorbent (leonardite) was studied. The metal uptake was pH-dependent and the maximum sorption for two metals was obtained at around pH 5–6. Batch kinetic studies showed that equilibrium time was reached after 2h of contact time. Equilibrium isotherms were obtained for the adsorption data of the two metals in single and binary systems. Equilibrium data were fitted to Langmuir and Freundlich models and the maximum adsorption capacities were found to be 0.33mmol of copper and 0.26mmol of nickel per gram of leonardite. In binary solutions containing the twometals an importantreductionof nickel uptake was observedwhile the sorption of copper was less affected. The presence of Ca2+ affected the removal of both copper and nickel ions, although the adsorption of nickel was reduced more than that of copper.