The kaolinite clay was tested for removal of lead ions from aqueous solution. The samples were washed with sulfuric acid solution followed by chemical surface modification using KH580 and sodium hydroxide. X-ray fluoresence(XRF) results showed that the ratio of SiOZ/A1Z03 was 2.8:1for the treated sample compared to 1 .6:1 for the raw one. Different adsorption isotherm models were applied to the experimental data and found that Shawabkeh-Tutunji equation best fit these data adequately. It was also found that chemisorption took place at the surface of the modified kaolinite with maximum adsorption capacity of 54. 35 mg /g.