We report a highly efficient synthetic strategy for self-assembled mesoporous gamma-Al2O3 materials using sodium salicylate as template. The mesoporous gamma-Al2O3 samples synthesized following this strategy have high surface areas (231-497 m(2) g(-1)), consist of crystalline tiny spherical nanoparticles of dimensions ca. 2-10 nm and showed high affinity for the adsorption of arsenic from the contaminated aqueous solutions. Efficient synthesis strategy, exceptionally high surface area and high adsorption efficiency of these mesoporous gamma-Al2O3 materials for the dissolved arsenic from the contaminated aqueous solutions (in the form of oxyanions of arsenic) could find potential utility in the purification of polluted water. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.