In order to recycle rare earth cations (La3+and Ce3+) from aqueous solutions, CoFe2O4 magnetic nanoparticles are applied for the adsorption of trivalent lanthanum and cerium. Their adsorption isotherms, kinetics, and thermodynamics are comprehensively investigated. The adsorption followed pseudo second order kinetics and experimental data fitted using the Langmuir isotherm model. The optimal adsorption efficiency could be observed over 99% at neutral pH, indicating that nano spinel cobalt ferrite has a superior adsorption behavior at neutral and weak alkaline conditions. At room temperature, the maximum adsorption capacity is observed by the nanocrystalline CoFe2O4 is in the order of La (48.22 mg/g), and Ce (46.56 mg/g), respectively.