In the present study, a cellulose based adsorbent, P(MB-IA)-g-MNCC was synthesized by graft co-polymerization of itaconic acid onto MNCC using EGDMA as crosslinking agent and K2S2O8 as free radical initiator. P(MB-IA)-g-MNCC was characterized by FTIR, XRD, SEM, TG and VSM. Cd(II) adsorption occurs maximum at pH 6.0. Kinetic and isotherm data were described using pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Sips isotherm model, respectively. Adsorbent dosage of 2.0g/L was sufficient for the complete removal of Cd(II) ions from aqueous solutions. The maximum adsorption capacity of P(MB-IA)-g-MNCC was found to be 262.27mg/g. Spent adsorbent was effectively regenerated using 0.1M HCl.