The novel triolein-embedded composite sorbents for removing persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in water were developed. Comprehensive structural characteristics of the composite sorbents were characterized using scanning electron microscope (SEM), fourier transform infrared spectrum (FT-IR) and X-ray photoelectron spectrum (XPS). It is suggested that triolein/cellulose acetate (CA) viscous syrup can be deposited on the surface of silica gel granules, because the silica gel granules have the large enough aperture to make the polymer penetrate into. Triolein is also embedded into a hybrid membrane perfectly. Dieldrin is regarded as a representative compound of POPs. Sorption experiments in solutions with constant concentrations show that adsorption capacity increased with increased triolein content in composite adorbents. Dieldrin removal could reach 80% at 50 ng/l initial concentration, which is near the environmental level. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.