BACKGROUND: The adsorption of Cu(II) on beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) modified multiwall carbon nanotubes/iron oxides (denoted as MWCNT/IO/CD) as a function of contact time, pH, adsorbent content, temperature, fulvic acid (FA) and initial Cu(II) concentrations was investigated using a batch technique under ambient conditions. RESULTS: The adsorption of Cu(II) was strongly dependent on pH, adsorbent content, temperature and FA. A positive effect of FA on Cu(II) adsorption was found at pH<6.5, whereas a negative effect was observed at pH>6.5. Different effects of FA/Cu(II) concentrations on Cu(II) and FA adsorption were observed, indicating enhanced Cu(II) adsorption on FA bound MWCNT/IO/CD, whereas FA adsorption was decreased in the presence of Cu(II) ions. The adsorption isotherms were well fitted by the linear isotherm model. The adsorption thermodynamic parameters calculated from temperature dependent adsorption isotherms suggested that the adsorption of Cu(II) on MWCNT/IO/CD was an endothermic and spontaneous process. CONCLUSIONS: MWCNT/IO/CD is a promising magnetic material for the preconcentration and separation of Cu(II) ions from aqueous solutions in environmental pollution cleanup. (C) 2011 Society of Chemical Industry