A polyoxometalate framework [Ni(bipy)(2)](2)(HPW12O40) was synthesized via an efficient chemical coprecipitation method. The adsorption ability was investigated by removing rhodamine B from aqueous solutions. The adsorption ability was extensively explored by varying the experimental conditions such as contact time, pH, temperature, adsorbent dose, initial dye concentration and the reusability. Intra-particle diffusion model was employed to determine the rate limiting step of the adsorption process. Langmuir isotherm model was found suitable for the adsorption system, and the adsorption process obeys the pseudo-second-order kinetics. Moreover, this adsorbent can be reused almost without any loss of adsorption capacity. It also has a multiplex adsorption capability as well as a satisfactory tolerance against changes in pH/dye concentration. The [Ni(bipy)(2)](2)(HPW12O40) was found able to remove Cr(VI) ions from aqueous solution. (C) 2015 The Institution of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.