Three different polymers P1, P2 and P3 (P1 containing both beta-CD and -COOH, P2 containing beta-CD and P3 containing -COOH) were synthesized and applied to adsorption toward aniline, 1-naphthylamine and methylene blue. The concentrations (C) before and after adsorption were determined and the adsorption capacities (q) of PI, P2 and P3 were calculated. The maximum adsorption capacities (q(max)) toward aniline: q(max) (P1) = 104 mu mol g(-1). q(max) (P2) = 14.9 mu mol g(-1) and q(max) (P3) = 53.1 mu mol g(-1); toward 1-naphthylamine: q(max) (P1) = 184 mu mol g(-1), q(max) (P2) = 53.8 mu mol g(-1) and q(max) (P3) = 125 mu mol g(-1); toward methylene blue: q(max) (P1)= 200 mu mol g(-1), q(max) (P2)= 12.7 mu mol g(-1) and q(max) (P3)= 215 mu mol g(-1). P1 exhibited remarkable adsorption toward all the three adsorbates. P2 was almost equal to P1 in adsorption toward methylene blue, but was less efficient than P1 in adsorption toward aniline and 1-naphthylamine. P3 also exhibited considerable adsorption toward aniline and 1-naphthylamine, but was inefficient toward methylene blue. P1 was obtained from nontoxic materials and through environment friendly procedures, so it was potentially an efficient and green adsorbent for water purification. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.