Chitosan/poly(amidoamine) (MCS/PAMAM) microparticles were prepared as magnetic adsorbents for removal of Reactive Blue 21 (RB 21) dye from aqueous solution. Characterization of these particles was carried out using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry and vibrating sample magnetometry. The results indicate that the magnetic chitosan micropartides (MCS) were functionalized with PAMAM dendrimers and maintained its intrinsic magnetic properties. The effects of initial pH, adsorbent dose, initial concentration, contact time and temperature on adsorption were investigated. Kinetic studies showed that the dye adsorption process followed a pseudo-second-order kinetic model but that the adsorption rate was also influenced by intraparticle diffusion. Equilibrium adsorption isotherm data indicated a good fit to the Langmuir isotherm. The maximum adsorption capacities obtained from the Langmuir model were 555.56, 588.24, 625.00 and 666.67 mg g(-1) at 303, 313, 323 and 333 K, respectively. The thermodynamic parameters revealed the feasibility, spontaneity and endothermic nature of the adsorption. Recycling experiments confirmed the relative reusability of the adsorbent. (C) 2015 Published by Elsevier B.V.