a), b) and Motoi Machida a),b) Melamine sponge was used to prepare carbonized materials for the adsorption of nitrate ions. Carbonization and ZnCl 2 activation of the melamine sponge were simultaneously conducted at 500 °C to develop porosity. In addition, a subsequent CH 3 I treatment was used to modify its surface. A ZnCl 2 impregnation ratio of 6 g/g (Z6) was the best condition for the removal of nitrate ions and a further increase in nitrate adsorption was observed as a result of the CH 3 I treatment (Z6-Q). Z6-Q exhibited a superior nitrate ion adsorption capacity of 0.81 mmol/g which was approximately 1.3 times that of Z6. The adsorption of nitrate ions on the prepared samples was found to be the highest under acidic conditions, while basic conditions were not suitable due to inhibition by the hydroxide ions. In the pH range 1.5 to 2.5, the initial concentration of chloride ions increased and caused competition with nitrate ion adsorption. Based on the adsorption isotherms of nitrate ions, the adsorption processes were well fitted to the Langmuir equation. The TG/DTG profile revealed thermal decomposition of quaternary ammonium and adsorbed nitrate ions. After 3 regeneration cycles, the amounts of adsorbed nitrate ions for Z6 and Z6-Q were respectively 95 and 98% of the initial values, implying that the adsorbents are recyclable.