Layer structured graphite oxide (GO) was prepared from graphite using the Hummers-Offeman method, characterised using N-2 adsorption, XRD, XPS, SEM(TEM), and FT-IR, and tested for humic acid (HA) adsorption in aqueous solution. XRD, XPS, and FT-IR measurements indicate the formation of layered structure with strong functional groups of GO. It is also found that the GO exhibits strong and much higher adsorption capacity of HA than graphite. The Maximum adsorption capacity of the GO from the Langmuir isotherm is 190 mg/g, higher than activated carbon. For the adsorption, several parameters will affect the adsorption such as solid loading and pH. HA adsorption will decrease with increasing pH and an optimum GO loading is required for maximum adsorption. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.