An adsorbent that exhibits high affinity for inorganic mercury (Hg2+) with a high removal efficiency of methylmercury (MeHe) has been developed. The adsorbent demonstrates a symbiotic relationship between its two components, molybdenum disulphide nanoflowers (MoS(2)NFs) and a poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) aerogel. Furthermore, we modified the distribution and loading of the MoS(2)NFs, which was possible due to the stable porous support, and investigated the biocompatibility of the aerogel-support adsorbent. The performance of the optimized material exhibited a distribution coefficient of 9.71 x 10(7) mL g(-1). In addition, the adsorbent was effective over a wide pH range and could efficiently purify both contaminated lake and sea water. The key motivation for using an aerogel support was to stabilise the MoS(2)NFs during purification of the water (resulting in improved performance compared to using freestanding MoS(2)NFs) and the ability to regenerate the used adsorbent. In addition, animal tests confirmed an extremely low toxicity of the adsorbent to fish, along with the excellent purification results. (C) 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.