The removal of chromium(III) in packed columns of zeolite and activated carbon has been studied. The process of Cr(III) exchange in 13X zeolite was optimized using mass transference parameters. In addition, the effects of pH, the presence of interfering ions and the anion associated with the chromium in the solution were studied. It was found that particle diameter controls the Cr(III) exchange in the zeolite, indicating that particle diffusion predominantly controls the process of Cr(III) exchange in 13X zeolite. A mixed system of zeolite and activated carbon columns increased the efficiency of chromium removal from diluted wastewater. This effect occurred due to the reduction of the organic matter (chemical oxygen demand), adsorption of chromium, and interfering ions on the activated carbon column. The activated carbon + zeolite column system emerges as an alternative method in Cr(III) removal from tannery effluents. (c) 2005 Society of Chemical Industry.