The removal of Pb2+ in modified areca waste from aqueous solutions with the Fenton reagent was investigated. Experiments were carried out as function of contact time and initial concentration (4-12 mg/L). The equilibrium adsorption data of Pb2+ on MAW were analyzed by Langmuir and Freundlich models. The equilibrium adsorption data were well described by the Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms. The monolayer adsorption capacity was found to be 3.37 mg/g at pH 6.6 and 323 K. Adsorption data were modeled using the pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order and intraparticle diffusion kinetics equations. The experimental data were fitted well the pseudo-second-order kinetics. Isotherms had also been used to obtain the thermodynamic parameters such as free energy (Delta G(0)), enthalpy (Delta H-0) and entropy (Delta S-0) of adsorption. The negative value of Delta G(0) indicates the feasibility and spontaneity of the adsorption process. The positive Delta H-0 suggests the endothermal nature of the adsorption. The positive values of AS reflects the affinity of MAW towards Pb2+. Desorption studies revealed that the MAW can be regenerated using HNO3 by adjusting pH. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.