Abstract: Optimization studies for lead-laden wastewater treatment with zeolite and a modified material ANJ.SiC were conducted.The experimental results showed that over 90% of the lead could be removed from the wastewater by using these adsorbents under the conditions of initial lead concentration 10 mg/L,pH > 4.62,ratio of absorbent to absorbate 5 g/L,reaction time 30 min,and temperature 25 ℃.The ANJ.SiC could remove more lead than the zeolite.Of the five regenerant combinations,NaOH alone was the best for regenerating the saturated zeolite and ANJ.SiC.After regenerating five times,the saturation capacities of the two adsorbents were decreased to different degrees.The regeneration effect of ANJ.SiC was better,with its saturated capacity decreasing from 33.9 mg/L to 20.5 mg/L.By examining the surface topography of the raw and saturated adsorbents with a Scanning Electronic Microscope (SEM),it was found that the two adsorbents differed in the mechanism of removing lead.Lead removal with zeolite was mainly through ion exchange,with the lead being entrapped into its structure.After the modification of the zeolite,the surface of the material was changed.Lead removal with ANJ.SiC was mainly through the surface reaction.