Metalworking fluids (MWFs) are classified as hazardous substances. Due to the characteristics of the stable oil-water emulsions, it requires more costly and complicate treatment techniques to remove oil from spent MWFs. Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are a porous network material used to remove contaminants from environment. One of the most prominent of MOFs is HKUST-1 or Cu-BTC. In this study, the Cu-BTCs were prepared by solvothermal method in various conditions and used as absorbent for removing oil micelles in MWF emulsion. The particle size of all synthesized Cu-BTCs ranged from approximate to 80 to 400 nm. The ability of all synthesized Cu-BTCs to remove oil micelle was greater than 95% in 60 min, while the capacity of GAC was obtained the result for only 6.8%. The maximum adsorption capacity (q(max)) of oil micelles on Cu-BTCs was 1666.7 mg.g(-1). The highest removal capacity of oil micelles in MWF emulsion is greater than 99% in 24 h by using Cu-BTCs washed with either butanol or ethanol. (C) 2016 The Chemical Industry and Engineering Society of China, and Chemical Industry Press. All rights reserved.