Biosorption of copper from aqueous solutions by Posidonia oceanica was investigated in batch and fixed-bed experiments. Batch experiments were conducted to evaluate the removal equilibrium at pH 5.0 and 6.0; experimental data were fitted to Langmuir model with maximum uptake capacities of 56.92 and 85.78 mg g(-1), respectively. Five column experiments were carried out at different feed concentrations. Breakthrough times and continuous sorption isotherm were obtained from breakthrough curves. Differences among batch and continuous isotherms were observed; the maximum uptake capacity in dynamic conditions was found in 56.70 mg g(-1) for final pH between 5.0 and 5.5. The biosorbent was regenerated with HCl Hydrodynamic axial dispersion was estimated by tracing experiments at different velocities using LiCl as tracer. A mass transport model including convection-dispersion and sorption processes was successfully applied to breakthrough curve modeling. Results indicate that P. oceanica can be used as an effective biosorbent for copper removal (c) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved