Abstract:The hydrotalcite-like compound [Zn 2 Al(OH) 6 ] NO 3 nH 2 O and [Mg 2 Al(OH) 6 ] NO 3 nH 2 O (shorted as ZnAl-NO 3 and MgAl-NO 3 ) was intercalated with the chelating agent EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid) and EDDS (N, N'-1, 2-Ethanediylbis-1-Aspartic Acid) by anion exchange. The materials synthesized in this work were characterized by chemical analysis, FT-IR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy), SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) and XRD (Powder X-ray Diffraction) to confirm their properties. In order to discuss the adsorption capacity of LDHs (Layered Double Hydroxides), the adsorption experiment was investigated under the optimum condition (10 mg, 25 °C and 100 μgL -1). The amount of metallic ions adsorbed by LDHs intercalated with EDTA and precursor LDHs were determined by ICP-AES (Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometry) and AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectrometry). The intercalation of EDTA leads to improve the adsorption capacity of LDHs. LDHs intercalated with chelating agents have generally high affinity for removing metallic ions, and they can be efficient adsorbents for metallic ions.