In this study, Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 magnetic nanoparticles are modified with EDTA and used as a selective and efficient adsorbent for the removal of Cu 2+ and Cd 2+ heavy metals. The Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2-EDTA nano composite is characterized using scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray, X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller. Nanoparticles are separated by an external magnet after the adsorption process. Adsorption equilibrium is achieved in 60 min, and the maximum removal of metal ions is obtained at pH 7. Isotherm analysis indicated that the adsorption data fit well to the Langmuir isotherm model. The maximum adsorption capacities are 79.4 and 73.5 mg/g for Cu 2+ and Cd 2+ , respectively. In addition, adsorption kinetic data agree with pseudo-second-kinetic order for both tested metal ions. Also, the adsorption process efficiency is investigated in the presence of K + , Na + , Mg 2+ , and Ca 2+ cations at the optimal conditions. This study indicates that the Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2-EDTA is a rapid, efficient, and reusable sorbent to remove Cd 2+ and Cu 2+ cations from contaminated aquatic solution.