In this study, a new and high efficient superparamagnetic nanosorbent, EDTA functionalized Fe3O4 nanoparticles was synthesized and used for the adsorption and removal of some heavy metals from environmental samples. The properties of synthesized magnetic nanoparticles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). After the adsorption process, the separation of Fe3O4@EDTA nanoparticles from the aqueous solution was simply achieved by applying an external magnetic field. The effects of different variables on the adsorption efficiency were investigated simultaneously using an experimental design. The variables of interest were the amount of magnetic Fe3O4@EDTA nanoparticles, pH and adsorption time. Box–Behnken design (BBD) combined with desirability function (DF) was applied to find the experimental conditions providing the highest global adsorption efficiency. Under the optimum conditions, the adsorption efficiencies and capacities of superparamagnetic Fe3O4@EDTA nanoadsorbents toward Ag(I), Hg(II), Mn(II), Zn(II), Pb(II) and Cd(II) were in the range of 96–104% and 71–169mgg−1, respectively. Average adsorption efficiency and capacity for simultaneously removal of target ions were ≥99% and ≥112mgg−1, respectively. The results revealed that the applied nanoadsorbent could be used as a high efficient, fast regeneration, reusable and cost-effective material for the removal of heavy metal ions from environmental water and soil samples. •A new and high efficient superparamagnetic Fe3O4@EDTA nanoparticles was synthesized.•The applicability of the nanoadsorbent for removal of heavy metals from environmental samples was investigated.•The effects of different variables were investigated simultaneously using a chemometric tool.•The average of removal efficiency for simultaneously removal of target ions was ≥99% at optimum condition.•The desorption, regeneration and interference ions experiments were studied and satisfactory results obtained.