As(III) removal from aqueous solution using α-Fe2O3 impregnated chitosan beads with As(III) as imprinted ions

► As(III) imprinted α-Fe2O3 impregnated chitosan beads were prepared to adsorb As(III). ► The adsorption selectivity was higher than non imprinted α-Fe2O3 chitosan beads. ► The maximum adsorption capacity was 6.18 mg/g at pH 5 and 30 °C. ► The kinetic data was fit with a pseudo-second order equation and Langmuir isotherms.