A novel bio-based polymeric adsorbent curcumin formaldehyde resin (CFR) was synthesized via polycondensation of curcumin (a natural bis-phenol) and formaldehyde. The synthesized resin (CFR) was characterized using various analytical techniques such as CHN, FTIR, TGA-DTA-DSC, NMR, BET, SEM and EDX. The CFR was effectively used for the removal of phenol which is one of the most common organic pollutants in the environment. Batch experiments were performed as a function of various experimental parameters such as effect of contact time (5-120 min), pH (2-8), initial phenol concentration (100-500 mg L-1) and temperature (30-65 degrees C). The removal rate of phenol using CFR was very fast and equilibrium established within 60 min. Kinetic studies showed better applicability for pseudo-second-order model. The applicability of Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin isotherm models was investigated and the Freundlich isotherm exhibited the best fit with the experimental data. The antimicrobial activities of CFR were also conducted against several bacteria and fungi. These results clearly indicated the efficiency of CFR as an ecofriendly bio-adsorbent for the wastewaters treatment. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.