Abstract Modified pectin cross-linked with adipic acid, was synthesized and used for heavy metal removal from wastewater. SEM and FTIR were used to investigate its structure and morphology. The modified pectin had a rough, porous phase covered with carboxy groups, resulting a high adsorption capacity. And at the room temperature, the saturated loading capacity for Pb 2+ , Cu 2+ and Zn 2+ reached 1.82 mmol/g, 1.794 mmol/g and 0.964 mmol/g, respectively. The results proved its potential application to remove of the heavy metal.