Regeneration is one of the key factors in evaluating an adsorbent. A novel heat regeneration method for hydroxyapatite/attapulgite (HAP/ATT) composite beads was studied. The investigation included heat regeneration temperature, regeneration time, and regeneration effects. A possible mechanism for the heat regeneration is described that explains the results of XPS, and SEM with EDAX. Exhausted HAP/ATT composite beads can be regenerated for more than 10 cycles using boiling water or steam. The total capacity increases by 10 times compared to a single defluoridation cycle. The regeneration process involves F- ions adsorbed on the surface of the beads to move quickly into the bulk of the HAP through the effect of heating this composite material. The surface active sites are thus re-exposed and the beads recover their fluoride sequestration properties. HAP/ATT composite beads were successfully used for the removal of fluoride from field water taken from a nearby village where fluoride contamination is endemic. Defluoridation and regeneration cycles performed in the same container provide a high efficient and simple operation. No chemical agents are used and no waste products are produced during the heat regeneration process, so this is a nearly zero emission process. This method can easily be up-scaled to a large throughput application. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.