The adsorption of lead and zinc ions on bed sediments of the River Kali in western Uttar Pradesh, India, has been studied. The role of the coarser sediment fraction (210-250 jtm) in controlling metal pollution has been elucidated and compared to those of the clay and silt fractions. The parameters controlling metal uptake, viz., solution pH, sediment dose, contact time, and particle size have b...