The magnetic removal of Hg2+ from water has been assessed using silica coated magnetite particles. The magnetite particles were first prepared by hydrolysis of FeSO4 and their surfaces were modified with amorphous silica shells that were then functionalized with organic moieties containing terminal dithiocarbamate groups. Under the experimental conditions used, the materials reported here displayed high efficiency for Hg2+ uptake (74%) even at contaminant levels as low as 50 mu g l(-1). Therefore these eco-nanomagnets show great potential for the removal of heavy metal ions of polluted water, via magnetic separation. (c) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.