Preparation of chitosan/poly(acrylic acid) magnetic composite microspheres and applications in the removal of copper(II) ions from aqueous solutions

► Poly(acrylic acid) blended chitosan magnetic composite adsorbent is prepared. ► This adsorbent is proven effective in eliminating copper(II) ions. ► The fundamental adsorption behavior of the adsorbent is investigated. ► The adsorption mechanism is monolayer chemical adsorption. ► The Cu(II) loaded magnetic adsorbent exhibits efficient phosphate removal.