Graphene oxide (GO) based magnetic nano-sorbent was synthesized by assembling the Fe3O4 and GO on the surface of polystyrene (denoted as PS@Fe3O4.@GO). The morphology of the nano-sorbent Was studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while their individual nano -components were characterized using UV -visible spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), zeta potential, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The assembled nano-sorbent was further investigated for Pb (II) ions removal by optimizing the parameters including pH, temperature and contact time. The obtained data was modelled for adsorption kinetics, adsorption isotherms and thermodynamics. Kinetic experiments indicated the Pb (II) adsorption followed first order kinetics. The adsorption equilibrium data fits Langmuir isotherm model well and the adsorption process was found to be spontaneous. The adsorption capacity of the prepared nano-sorbent was estimated to be 73.52 mg g(-1), with a maximum removal of 93.78% at pH 6. The nanosorbent can be regenerated by nitric acid (HNO3) for reuse. FT-IR and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) studies confirmed the interactions between the Pb (II) ions and the nano-sorbent. (C) 2016 The Institution of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.