Magnetic chitosan microparticles are functionalized by grafting a new hydra-zide derivative to produce HAHZ-MG-CH, which is applied to the sorption of metal cations. The functionalization (appearance of new groups) and synthesis mechanisms are confirmed using elemental analyses, FTIR and XPS spectrom-etry, TGA and EDX analysis, SEM observation and titration. HAHZ-MG-CH bears high nitrogen content (& 10.9 mmol N g-1). Maximum sorption capacities at pH 5 reach up to 1.55 mmol U g-1 , 1.82 mmol Hg g-1 and 2.67 mmol Cd g-1. Sorption isotherms are preferentially fitted by the Langmuir model. In acidic solutions, the sorbent has a marked preference for Hg(II) over U(VI) and Cd(II), while at mild pH uranyl species are preferentially bound. The sorbent has a lower affinity for Cd(II) in multicomponent solutions. Sorption occurs within 60 min of contact. The pseudo-first-order rate equation fits well kinetic profiles. HCl solutions (0.5 M) successfully desorb all the metal ions (yield exceeds 97% at the first cycle). The sorbent can be recycled for 5 cycles of sorption and desorption: the loss in efficiencies does not exceed 8%. The sorbent removes Hg(II), Cd(II) and Pb(II) from local contaminated groundwater at levels compatible with irrigation and livestock uses but not enough to reach the levels for drinking water regulations.