Enhanced adsorption of humic acid on amine functionalized magnetic mesoporous composite microspheres

► Fe3O4@mesoporous SiO2 (MS) and PEI functionalized MS (MS-PEI) were synthesized. ► MS-PEI showed excellent behavior in removing humic acid. ► Adsorption isotherms and kinetics were investigated. ► Adsorption capacity and recycling properties were obtained.