Removal of phosphate from solution by adsorption and precipitation of calcium phosphate onto monohydrocalcite

► Sorption isotherms of phosphate on monohydrocalcite were obtained. ► Effects of reaction time, ionic strength, and temperature on isotherm are examined. ► Sorption mode is divisible into three processes depending on phosphate loading. ► Three processes are coprecipitation, adsorption, and calcium phosphate formation. ► Monohydrocalcite is a more effective sorbent for phosphate than calcite or aragonite.