A novel composite adsorbent (SCO) was synthesized by integrating CeO2 nanoparticles into silica monoliths for the removal of arsenic from water in a dynamic flow through reactor. The silica monoliths provided 3-dimensional interconnected macropores for the effective transportation of water while a large amount of mesopores on the silica skeleton served as the sites for attachment of CeO2 nanoparticles. After impregnation and calcinations, CeO2 nanoparticles were firmly fixed on the walls of silica monoliths. The SCO composite demonstrated a superior arsenic removal performance on both lab-prepared and natural water samples. At a fast empty bed contact time of 4 min, a high breakthrough bed volume of 20,000 bv was achieved for the treatment of arsenic-contaminated natural water of similar to 80 mu g/L to meet the maximum contaminant level of arsenic at 10 mu g/L for drinking water. Even after desorption/regeneration, the composite still maintained a strong arsenic adsorption performance, which is beneficial for their potential industrial applications. (c) 2012 Published by Elsevier B.V.