The adsorption of Ni2+, Cd2+, PO43- and NO3- and NO by carbonated hydroxyapatite (CHA) modified microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) was studied in the aqueous solution. The modified adsorbent was characterized using elemental analysis, FTIR, SEM and EDAX analysis. The adsorption studies were conducted in batch mode. The effects of pH, contact time, the concentration of metals and the regeneration efficiency were studied. The removal of Ni2+, Cd2+, PO43- and NO3- was not pH dependent. The maximum removal capacities of the CHA/MFC adsorbent for Ni2+, Cd2+, PO43- and NO3- were 2.021, 1.224, 0.843 and 0.209 mmol/g, respectively. The Langmuir and Sips models were representative to simulate adsorption isotherms. The results of adsorption kinetic indicate that adsorption was very fast for all studied compounds. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.