Abstract: Batch adsorption experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of the initial nitrate concentration, ionic strength and contact time on the nitrate removal efficiency by functionalized polyacrylonitrile coated with iron oxide nanoparticles (PAN-Oxime- Fe₂O₃). All tests were performed in 100 mL solution at constant temperature of 25°C and mixing rate of 150 rpm. The residual nitrate concentration in the solution was determined spectrophotometrically. Statistical analyses were performed on data using SPSS16 software by applying Kruskal-Wallis tests using Excel software. The results showed that the adsorption of nitrate was influenced by counterions. Finally, experimental data were analyzed using adsorption isotherm. The results show that nitrate removal efficiency increases with an increase in the initial nitrate concentration and contact time and decreases in the presence of other ions.