Surface modified magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles as a selective sorbent for solid phase extraction of uranyl ions from water samples

► A new sorbent based on functionalized magnetite nanoparticles with quercetin is reported. ► The quercetin based magnetic nanoparticles could be used as a sorbent to remove toxic uranyl ions from water samples. ► The sorbent provides a rapidly and easy separation of uranyl ions only by using a permanent magnet. ► This technique is considered more efficient separation compared to conventional filtering or centrifuging methods for the removing of the sorbent.