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Abstract: This paper deals with removal of copper ions from solution by raw rice husk (RRH) and expanding rice husk (ERH). Different column design parameters like bed depth, flow rate and initial copper concentration were investigated. It was found that the equilibrium uptake (q eq(exp)) of the ERH and RRH increased with increase in initial copper concentration but decreased with increase in flow rate and bed depth, respectively. The higher adsorption capacity and longer breakthrough time were observed for ERH in comparison with RRH, under the same conditions. Compared to coconut-shell activated carbon (C-AC), ERH was also found more effective in removing Cu2+. 0.01molL−1 HCl solution was used for desorption of column which was prior to absorb copper ion, and 0.01molL−1 NaOH solution was used for re-activation. Column regeneration and reuse studies were conducted for adsorption–desorption cycle. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]