Biowaste obtained from the fruit juice industry (FR) was used as biosorbent for the removal of toxic heavy metals (Hg(II), Pb(II), Cd(II), Cu(II), Zn(II) and Ni(II)). Phosphated FR (P-FR) was prepared by treatment of FR with phosphorous (V) oxychloride. Biosorption of a metal was dependent on the intial pH of the aqueous solution. An efficient removal was obtained with P-FR at low pH.