MgO center dot SiO2 system was prepd. by copptn. from MgSO4 and Na2SiO3 solns. and used for removing Cu2+, Ni2+ and Zn2+ ions from their aq. solns. by adsorption. The adsorption efficiency increased in the Zn > Cu > Ni series up to 70.3% at the lowest initial concn. (0.5 g/L).