A systematic experimental study is reported that provides a molecular based understanding of cross linked chitosan beads and their adsorption properties in aqueous solution containing phosphate dianion (HPO42-) species. Synthetically modified chitosan using epichlorohydrin and glutaraldehyde cross-linkers result in surface modified beads with variable hydrophile-lipophile character and tunable HPO42- uptake properties. The kinetic and thermodynamic adsorption properties of cross-linked chitosan beads with HPO42- species were studied in aqueous solution. Complementary structure and physicochemical characterization of chitosan beads via potentiometry, Raman spectroscopy, DSC, and dye adsorption measurements was carried out to establish structure-property relationships. The maximum uptake (Q(m)) of bead systems with HPO42- at equilibrium was 52.1 mg g(-1); whereas, kinetic uptake results for chitosan bead/phosphate systems are relatively rapid (0.111-0.113 min(-1)) with an intraparticle diffusion rate-limiting step. The adsorption process follows a multi-step pathway involving inner- and outer-sphere complexes with significant changes in hydration. Phosphate uptake strongly depends on the composition and type of cross-linker used for preparation of chitosan beads. The adsorption isotherms and structural characterization of bead systems illustrate the role of surface charge, hydrophile-lipophile balance, adsorption site accessibility, and hydration properties of the chitosan bead surface. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.