This study focuses on the effectiveness of hydrous manganese dioxides (δMnO2) removing arsenite (As(Ⅲ)) from aqueous solution. Effects of such factors as permanganate oxidation, pH, humic acid and Ca2+ on As removal and possible mechanisms involved in have been investigated. Permanganate oxidation increases As removal to a certain extent; the higher pH results in the formation of more easily adsorbed As species, contributing to higher As removal; humic acid occupies adsorbing sites and decreases ζ potential of δMnO2, therefore inhibiting As removal; Ca2+ facilitates As adsorption on δMnO2, mainly through increasing ζ potential and decreasing repulsive forces between As and surface sites. δMnO2 exhibits oxidative and adsorptive potential for As(Ⅲ), and may be employed as adsorbents or filter coating for As removal in water treatment process.