We have developed a green and robust fluorogenic (λex = 410 nm, λem = 510 nm) cellulose membrane using graphene oxide (GO) as a construct for simultaneous copper ion recognition and filtration at environmentally relevant levels. The detection limit and removal limit of Cu2+ are 7.3 × 10-7 M and 1000 ppm, respectively. The simplicity and scalability achieved for the detection and removal of metal ions in waste water is particularly noteworthy given the significant problems associated with metal ion pollution of drinking water.