Magnetic graphene oxide (MGO) nanocomposites have been synthesized by the co-precipitation route. The surface structure of MGO nanocomposites were analyzed by XRD, TEM, SEM, VSM and nitrogen adsorption-desorption instrumental technique. Response surface methodology was used to optimize the removal of methadone by MGO nanocomposites in aqueous solution. Experiments were conducted based on Box-Behnken design (BBD). The influence of three parameters on the removal of methadone was examined using the response surface methodological approach. The significance of independent variables and their interactions were tested by analysis of variance (ANOVA). The optimum pH, adsorbent dose and temperature were found to be 6.2, 0.0098 g and 295.7 K, respectively. Under these conditions, removal efficiency of methadone was found to be 87.20 mg/g. (C) 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.