Neem sawdust (Azadirachta indica) was used as an adsorbent for the removal of malachite green dye from an aqueous solution. The studies were carried out under various experimental conditions such as agitation time, dye concentration, adsorption dose, pH and temperature to assess the potentiality of neem sawdust for the removal of malachite green dye from wastewater. A greater percentage of dye removal was observed with decrease in the initial concentration of dye and increase in amount of adsorbent. The adsorption of dye on neem sawdust was found to follow a gradual process. Equilibrium isotherms were analysed by the Langmuir models of adsorption and were applicable with maximum monolayer adsorption capacity of 4.354 mg g(-1). The dimensionless factor, R-L of the malachite green, neem sawdust isotherm revealed that the adsorption process is favourable in nature. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.