The mutual influence of metal (Zn, Pb, Ni) cations and nonionic surfactant alkylmonoethers ALM-10 on their cosorption by hydrogen-containing form of Purolite C 106 polyacrylic acid-functionalized cation-exchanger was investigated with respect to the possibility of its application for sewage purification and recycling to prevent the environmental contamination. Sorption isotherms were measured, distribution coefficients calculated and metal(II) sorption proceeding in various forms estimated. The sorption of metal cations, alkylmonoether molecules and products of their interaction proceeds simultaneously. Mutual action of metal(II) and alkylmonoethers leads to a decrease in the equilibrium sorption of both metal(II) and alkylmonoethers. The sorption of alkylmonoethers proceeds in the form of the free molecules and the molecules bonded to metal(II) cations, while the sorption of metal(II) proceeds in the form of the free cations (predominantly) and the cations bonded to the molecules of alkylmonoethers. The sorption of the free cations proceeds as follows: lead(II) - by ionic bonding: nickel(TI) - by complex (ionic + coordinate) bonding; zinc(II) - by both complex (ionic + coordinate) and single coordinate bonding. The cosorption of metal (Zn, Pb, Ni) cations and nonionic surfactant (alkylmonoethers) can be applicable for the purification of sewage including electroplating rinsewarer. (C0 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.