Removal of cobalt from aqueous solution by indigenously synthesized xanthate functionalized dendrimer (XFD) was xinvestigated. Effect of pH and interference due to complexing agents/other cations on removal of cobalt by precipitation method was studied. Loading capacity of XFD as a function of cobalt concentration was estimated; about 0.355 g of cobalt could be loaded per gram of XFD at pH 4.5. It was observed that quantitative precipitation is effective at pH > 3 and the suspended particles are not settling down when the pH of feed solution is more than 6. The suspended particles settle down by the addition of coagulating agent (aluminum sulfate). The presence of Sr2+ or Mg2+ cations enhances precipitation process whereas monovalent Na+ ion has no significant effect on cobalt removal by XFD ligand. Toxicity characteristics leaching procedure and semi-dynamic leaching test results show that Co-XFD complex is a characteristic leaching toxic and needs further treatment before dumping into the sanitary landfills. © 2013 © 2013 Balaban Desalination Publications. All rights reserved.