Magnetic core-shell Fe3O4@layered double oxide (Fe3O4@LDO) microspheres were synthesized and utilized as adsorbent in the removal of 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (2,5-DHBA) from aqueous samples. Due to the "memory effect", the microspheres showed higher adsorption capacity compared with Fe3O4@layered double hydroxide. The Fe3O4@LDO microspheres were easily recovered after the experiment via the application of a magnetic force. The effect of mass of Fe3O4@LDO, temperature and time on adsorption efficiency were investigated using batch experiments. Adsorption was in conformance with the Langmuir model, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 188.7 mg/g. Recyclability experiments indicated that adsorption efficiency did not decrease noticeably after 3 cycles of adsorption-calcination. The Fe3O4@LDO microspheres were evaluated by considering matrix-matched aqueous samples spiked with 2,5-DHBA. Under optimized conditions, 98.4% of the 2,5-DHBA analyte in the sample can be effectively removed from an aqueous solution within 4 h. The results indicate that Fe3O4@LDO microspheres have the potential to be employed as highly efficient, convenient, and low-cost magnetic adsorbents in the removal of 2,5-DHBA from water. (C) 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.