The structure of Zr modified MgAl layered double hydroxide (Zr-MgAl-LDH) was investigated by means of X-ray diffraction and Zr-K edge X-ray absorption experiments, and the mechanism of phosphate adsorption from phosphate-enriched seawater was considered. The Zr-MgAl-LDH consists of binary MgAl-LDH and amorphous ZrO 2 , which has a relation to its superior phosphate adsorption property.