BACKGROUND: Previous investigation has shown that carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are effective for the removal of organic pollutants and oxidized carbon nanotubes (OCNTs) are effective for the removal of heavy metals. In this investigation, OCNTs were used for simultaneous removal of endrin and Cd(II) from water. Separation of OCNTs from water was also investigated. RESULTS: The removal efficiencies of endrin and Cd(II) by OCNTs were 89-97% and 96-100%, respectively. Endrin removal capacity of OCNTs is approximately the same as that of powdered activated carbon (PAC) and as-prepared CNTs. Cd(II) removal capacity of OCNTs is much higher than that of PAC and as-prepared CNTs. OCNTs can be separated efficiently from water using AlCl3. CONCLUSION: OCNTs are effective for the simultaneous removal of endrin and Cd(II) and after adsorption, OCNTs can be separated from water by dosing AlCl3. (C) 2008 Society of Chemical Industry