Synthetic siderite has been used as adsorbent for As(III) removal in this study. Effects of contact time, temperature, pH, co-existing anions on As(III) adsorption were intensively investigated. Adsorption mechanisms were also studied using the X-ray absorption technique. Results show that the maximum adsorption capacity is up to 9.98 mg g(-1) at 25 degrees C at a siderite dosage of 2 g L-1. Adsorption kinetics agrees with the Lagergren pseudo-second order model. Arsenic(III) adsorption can be better described by Langmuir isotherm model for As(III) adsorption at 55 degrees C, indicating that the coverage of the adsorption sites is in the form of monolayer, although Freundlich isotherm yields a better fit to the experimental data at 25.35 and 45 degrees C. Thermodynamic study indicates that As(III) adsorption on the synthetic siderite is spontaneous and endothermic in nature. The adsorption capacity is enhanced with the increase in reaction temperature. The adsorption is independent on solution pH between 3.0 and 9.6. The presence of NO3-, SO42-, PO43- or SiO32- with element concentrations less than 20 mg L-1 does not have adverse effect on As(III) adsorption. XANES spectra indicate that As mainly occurs as As(V) in the As adsorbed-materials, and the fraction of oxidized As(III) increases with the decrease in As(III) concentration. The formation of Fe hydroxide minerals (such as lepidocrocite and goethite) followed by As(III) oxidiation and adsorption is shown to be the main mechanism of As(III) removal by the synthetic siderite. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.