MIL-88(Fe) and NH2-MIL-88(Fe) metal-organic frameworks were synthesized using the microwave-assisted solvothermal method and were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Brunauer Emmett Teller (BET), powdered X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Relatively high surface areas with corresponding pore volumes of 1240âm2 âg-1 and 0.7âm3 âg-1, 941âm2 âg-1 and 0.6âm3 âg-1 were found for MIL-88(Fe) and NH2-MIL-88(Fe), respectively. The MOFs were evaluated as adsorbent for the removal of chrysene (CRY) in water. Important parameters that affect the adsorption such as contact time, initial concentration of CRY, pH and temperature were systematically studied. Adsorption isotherms using Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin models were investigated. Other details of the adsorption process were also studied using kinetics and thermodynamics approaches. Additionally, molecular docking was used to unravel the nature of the adsorption between the MOFs and CRY. The reusability of the adsorbents was evaluated using regeneration studies. In conclusion, these MOFs exhibit favorable characteristics to be used for the removal of CRY from water. © 2019 Elsevier Ltd.