This study focuses a novel method to remove natural organic matter (NOM) and pathogens from water by silica particles coated with functionalised self-assembled monolayers. The results of this investigation clearly show that these contaminants can efficiently be removed by stirring the coated particles in the contaminated water for up to I h and finally filtrating the powder. The removal is believed to be caused by electrostatic attraction and immobilization of the contaminants on the surface of the particles. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.