Description:    Fly ash is currently being generated at a rate of million tons every year and represents an important waste problem. Bentonite and molasses are used in a wide range of applications. The samples of Orhaneli fly ash were analyzed by X-ray fluorescence, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscope. Depending on the results of the analysis, morphology and chemical compositions of Orhaneli fly ash were investigated in detail. Orhaneli fly ash, bentonite (0 and 1 % in terms of fly ash, w / w ), and molasses (0–0.75 mL) were pelletized under 30 MPa of pressure for zinc adsorption in wastewater. As a result, it was seen that the usage of Orhaneli fly ash was proper for zinc (Zn 2+ ) adsorption and an optimum adsorption yield with 90 % was found at a compound with Orhaneli fly ash (10 g), bentonite (0 %), and molasses (0.25 mL) at 2.5 h of reaction time, pH 5, 20 °C of reaction temperature, and 300 rpm of stirring rate. Sorption isotherm and sorption kinetics for Zn 2+ on fly ash (with bentonite and molasses) can be explained by Freundlich isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic models. Based on the experimental data, it was seen that Orhaneli fly ash and molasses waste could be evaluated for Zn 2+ adsorption from wastewater, environmentally. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s11270-012-1367-2 Authors S. Kolemen, Department of Chemical Engineering, Yildiz Technical University, Davutpasa St., N. 127, Esenler, Istanbul, Turkey N. Baran Acarali, Department of Chemical Engineering, Yildiz Technical University, Davutpasa St., N. 127, Esenler, Istanbul, Turkey N. Tugrul, Department of Chemical Engineering, Yildiz Technical University, Davutpasa St., N. 127, Esenler, Istanbul, Turkey E. Moroydor Derun, Department of Chemical Engineering, Yildiz Technical University, Davutpasa St., N. 127, Esenler, Istanbul, Turkey S. Piskin, Department of Chemical Engineering, Yildiz Technical University, Davutpasa St., N. 127, Esenler, Istanbul, Turkey Journal Water, Air, & Soil Pollution Online ISSN 1573-2932 Print ISSN 0049-6979 Journal Volume Volume 224 Journal Issue Volume 224, Number 1