Graphene quantum dots have been synthesized using the microwave-assisted hydrothermal route. The surface textural and morphological structure of synthesized adsorbent i.e. graphene quantum dots was analyzed using various analytical techniques such as X-ray diffraction, Transmission electron Microscopy, Atomic Force Microscopy and N-2 adsorption-desorption instrumental techniques. The application of graphene quantum dots as an adsorbent for the removal of noxious pesticide compound i.e. oxamyl from aqueous solutions was well investigated and elucidated. The impact of several effective parameters such as effect of agitation speed, pH, adsorbent dose, contact time, temperature and initial concentration on sorption efficiency was studied and optimized using batch adsorption experiments. The optimized pH for maximum oxamyl adsorption was found to be 8.0 and for the maximum adsorption rates the adsorbent dose of 0.6 g was found to be optimum to carry out the adsorption with in less than 25 min of contact time. From the results obtained, it is clear that for all contact times, an increase in oxamyl concentration resulted in increase in the percent oxamyl removal. The adsorption equilibrium and kinetic data were well fitted and found to be in good agreement with the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo second-order kinetic model. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.