Grafting of acrylamide (AAm) onto kappa-carrageenan (KC) was carried out using microwave irradiation in the presence of ammonium persulfate (APS) as initiator. The effect of reaction variables including the concentration of APS, AAm, and KC; time duration; and microwave power was studied. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were carried out to characterize the graft copolymer. The graft copolymer possesses slightly sensitive activities to external pH and shows reversible on--off switching swelling characteristics. Flocculation efficacy of the graft copolymer was studied in coal fine suspension toward potential application as a flocculent. The acute oral toxicity study of the graft copolymer was evaluated as per OECD guidelines. Mice administered the graft copolymer did not show anomalous behavior during the 14-day study. No mortality was observed during the 14 days following treatment with the graft copolymer.