A sorption process for the removal of phosphate was evaluated under various conditions using a filter bed packed with giant reed (GR) based adsorbent. FTIR spectrum measurement validated the existence of grafted amine groups in the adsorbent and Raman spectrum displayed the characteristic peaks of different forms of phosphate. The column sorption capacity of the adsorbent for phosphate was 54.67 mg g(-1) in comparison with the raw GR of 0.863 mg g(-1). Influent pH demonstrated an essential effect on the performance of the filter bed as compared to other influent conditions (flow rates and influent concentrations) and the optimal pH was selected at 5.0-10.0. Eluents of HCl, NaOH and NaCl solutions with concentrations of 0.01-0.1 mol l(-1) showed the excellent capacities for desorption of phosphate from the adsorbent, and their elution processes could be finished in 90 min. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.