Hexavalent chromium is known to be a carcinogenic heavy metal thus its discharge is stringently regulated in most of countries.As an alternative to chemical reduction followed by precipitation,biosorption has been proposed for the removal of Cr(VI) from wastewater or groundwater [1].Various biosorbents derived from bacteria,fungi,and algae have been tested as biosorbent for Cr(VI) removal [2].In this study,a novel biosorbent was derived from pinebark powder by being capsulated with alginate.Preparation condition of the biosorbent was optimized according to its Cr(VI) removal rate.Effects of solution pH,Cr(VI) concentration,biosorbent dosage,and temperature on the Cr(VI) removal were examined.The removal rate of Cr(VI) was strongly pH dependent; the removal rate of Cr(VI) decreased with an increase in solution pH.In all of pH ranges studied,however,Cr(VI) was completely removed in aqueous solution at the end.The removal rate of Cr(VI) increased with increases in initial Cr(VI) concentration and biosorbent dosage.The increase of temperature greatly increased the Cr(VI) removal rate,and decreased the contact time required for complete Cr(VI) removal.In conclusion,the biosorbent derived from abundant and cheap pinebark biomass can be used for the removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions.