Abstract: Rectorite-chitosan composite sorbent was prepared by impregnation method, which was used in the adsorption test for Zn²⁺ containing solution.Based on the test, it was used to treat the practical electroplating waste water containing zinc.The result shows that the composite sorbent has a high adsorption rate when the mass ratio of chitosan to rectorite was 0.04 and the deacetylation degree of chitosan was 90%.At a Zn²⁺concentration of the solution of lower than 100 mg/L, a pH value of 7, a composite sorbent dosage of 3.0 g/L and an adsorption time of 40 min, the composite sorbent can have a Zn²⁺ adsorption rate of higher than 99%，with the treated water conforming to the requirements in the state standard for Class A sewage discharge.

Key words: Rectorite, Chitosan, Composite sorbent, Zn²⁺