This study applies green coconut shells as adsorbent for the removal of toxic metal ions from aqueous effluents using column adsorption. The results show that a flow rate of 2 mL/min and a bed height of 10 cm are most feasible. Furthermore, larger amounts of effluent can be treated for removal of single ions. The breakthrough curves for multiple elements gave the order of adsorption capacity: Cu(+2) > Pb(+2) > Cd(+2) > Zn(+2) > Ni(+2). Real samples arising from the electroplating industry can be efficiently handled.