The latest research progress of modified biomass adsorbents such as chitosan, lignin, biochar, clay, tannin and starch for phosphate removal and recovery were reviewed, and various ways to modify biomass adsorbents to increase their surface functional groups, specific surface area and zero point charge were analyzed. The adsorption mechanism of phosphate of the modified biomass adsorbents, various factors affecting the adsorption amount and the recovery methods of phosphate were discussed. Compared with the unmodified adsorbents, the modified biomass adsorbents significantly improved the adsorption capacity of phosphate. It is pointed out that future research should focus on how to further improve the adsorption of phosphate by biomass materials, the reusability of adsorbents, and its applicability to the aqueous environment.