Glycidyl methacrylate-divinylbenzene (GMA/DVB) resin bearing iminoacetate function was prepared through subsequent treatment of (GMA/DVB) resin by ethylenediantine and potassium chloroacetate, respectively. The chelating resin obtained showed a powerful adsorption character towards non-transition metal ions (Zn2+, Cd2+ and Pb2+) as well as alkaline earth metal ions (Ca2+ and Mg2+). The sodium form of the resin gave a slightly higher uptake capacity towards metal ions compared to the hydrogen form. The resin sample loaded with metal ions was regenerated using HCl (0.5-2.0 M) without activity loss. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.