Batch experiments were conducted to study the biosorption characteristics of a cationic dye, Malachite Green (MG), onto aerobic granules. Effects of pH, aerobic granule dosage, contact time and solution temperature on MG biosorption by aerobic granules were evaluated. Simultaneity the thermodynamic analysis was also performed. The results showed that alkaline pH was favorable for the biosorption of MG and chemisorption seemed to play a major role in the biosorption process. Kinetic studies indicate that MG biosorption on aerobic granules in the system follows the pseudo-second order kinetics. The equilibrium time was 60 min for both 50 and 60 mg/L and 120 min for both 70 and 80 mg/L MG concentrations, respectively. Moreover, the experimental equilibrium data have been analyzed using the linearized forms of Langmuir, Freundlich, and Redlich-Peterson isotherms and the Langmuir isotherm was found to provide the best theoretical correlation of the experimental data for the biosorption of MG. The monolayer biosorption (saturation) capacities were determined to be 56.8 mg of MG per gram of aerobic granules at 30 degrees C. Thermodynamic analysis show that biosorption follows an endothermic path of the positive value of Delta H degrees and spontaneous with negative value of Delta G degrees. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.