Effects of pH, salinity and temperature on biosorption of Cd and Zn by bacteria Bacillus jeotgali strain U3 were evaluated in batch experiments. Traditional and Subsequent Addition Methods (SAM) were used to carry out the bioassays. Sorption of metals was higher when pH or temperature was increased, or when salinity was reduced. The Langmuir isotherm better fit the biosorption data for Cd, while the Freundlich model fitted better for Zn biosorption. A comparison with similar biosorbents suggested that Bacillus jeotgali strain U3 could be considered a good biosorbent for Cd and Zn recovery. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.