Preparation of chitosan/laterite/iron oxide-based biocomposite and its application as a potential adsorbent for the removal of methylene blue from aqueous solution

•A novel biobased material as a potential adsorbent was proposed.•Locally sourced material was used in the composite fabrication.•Adsorbents can be removed in a facile method (magnetically) after adsorption.•Biobased composite enables a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach for removing contaminants.