A new composite chitosan-coated biosorbent was prepared and was used for the removal and recovery of heavy metals from aqueous solution. In the present investigation, equilibrium adsorption characteristics of Cu (II), Ni (II),and Co (II) from their binary and tertiary solution on newly developed biosorbent chitosan-coated perlite beads were evaluated through batch and column studies. These beads were characterized by using FTIR, EDXRF and surface area analysis techniques. The effect of various biosorption parameters like effect of pH. agitation time. concentration of adsorbate and amount of adsorbent on extent of adsorption was investigated. The adsorption follows Lagergren first order kinetic model. The equilibrium adsorption data were fitted to Freundlich and Langmuir adsorption isotherm models and the model parameters were evaluated. Both the models represent the experimental data satisfactorily. The sorbent loaded with metal was regenerated with 0.1 N NaOH solution. Furthermore the column dynamic studies indicate the re-usage of the biosorbent. (C) 2009 Published by Elsevier B.V.