In this study, the ability of Symphoricarpus albus, a natural biosorbent, to biosorb a reactive dye (RR45) after the modification with sodium diethyldithiocarbamate was examined. Batch experiments were carried out as function of initial pH, biosorbent dosage, contact time and temperature in order to model and optimize the biosorption process. Maximum dye removal was attained at pH 2.0 and with 0.08 g of modified biosorbent at room temperature. Temperature did not significantly affect the biosorption yield of RR45. Pseudo-second-order and Langmuir models were able to well describe the biosorption kinetics and isotherm, respectively. Continuous dye biosorption studies were conducted at a flow rate of 1.0 mL min(-1). Regeneration studies showed no significant decrease in the recovery of dye at the end of the 10 consecutive cycles. The dye biosorption mechanism was explored by FTIR and SEM-EDX analysis. From the practical point of view, dithiocarbamated S. albus could be used as an alternative and effective biosorbent for the elimination of RR45 from aqueous solutions. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.