Method for the removal of a substance from an aqueous liquid by ion exchange comprising providing a liquid with said substance is present; providing an adsorption matrix which comprises at least two different ligands; contacting the liquid with the matrix under a period of time and conditions sufficient to allow adsorption of the substance to the matrix; and adding an eluent that desorbs the substance from the matrix. Each one of the ligands interacts with the substance during the adsorption step, and at least one of the ligands is charged and capable of ionic interaction with the substance. The method can be run as a cation or anion exchange. The substance desorption can be performed by adding an eluent comprising an increasing ionic strength. The invention also encompasses an adsorbent comprising at least two structurally different ligands, which interact with the same kind of substance when used in a separation procedure.