To develop a stable and easily separable adsorbent for the efficient removal of phosphate from water, Ce-incorporated zinc ferrites (ZnCexFe2-xO4, x = 0 similar to 0.48) were synthesized and investigated. Results indicated that, though introduction of Ce decreased saturation magnetization, the ferrites were magnetically separable with saturation magnetization exceeded 32.0 emu/g when x <= 0.12. On the other hand, increasing Ce content greatly boosted the adsorptive capacity of phosphate, with Langmuir adsorption maxima increasing from 5.2 mg/g to 41.6 mg/g at 25 degrees C when x increased from 0 to 0.48. However, P/Ce molar ratio was found to be the highest when x = 0.12, enabling the most efficient use of Ce. The adsorption of phosphate was the most favorable within the middle pH range and the increase in both ionic strength and temperature enhanced adsorption. The material showed good affinity for phosphate in the presence of common anions. Experimental results also showed that NaOH or KOH were applicable for the purpose of adsorbent regeneration. In conclusion, Ce-incorporated zinc ferrite with the composition of ZnCe0.12Fe1.88O4 has the potential for the removal of phosphate from water. (C) 2016 Institution of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.