Saccharomyces cerevisiae cross-linked with formaldehyde exhibited good mechanical strength and rigidity in continuous-flow operation. Cu2+, Zn2+ and Cd2+ were effectively removed from aqueous solutions by the biomass at pHs 5.3, 6.0 and 6.7, respectively. Complete recovery of the bound metals was achieved by washing the column biomass with 0.1 M HCl. The metal uptake capacity (quantity of metals accumulated by one gram biomass) of regenerated biomass was similar to that in the first cycle, with 8 (cyc. 1) and 8.1 mg/g (cyc. 2) for Cu2+ and 7.1 and 7.2 mg/g for Zn2+. Therefore reuse of the yeast would be possible.