Manganese dioxide (delta-MnO(2)) with magnetic properties has been synthesized by precipitation of MnO(2) in the presence of magnetite. The resulting material has a particle size distribution between 0.5 and 5 mu m. Magnetization of the material is in the order of magnitude of that of magnetite. Therefore a solid-liquid separation by means of moderate magnetic fields is possible. Due to the properties of delta-MnO(2) the point of zero charge of the surface is about 2.5. Therefore, the adsorbent is almost exclusively a cation exchanger although sorption of oxoanions is also possible. Sorption experiment with Cd(2+), Ni(2+), and Pb(2+) ions revealed a preferred sorption. Alkaline earth ions such as Ca(2+) affect the uptake only at high concentrations. Because of the small particles and the respective large specific surface, sorption is fast. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.