Fixed-bed column studies of pentachlorophenol removal by use of alginate-encapsulated pillared clay microbeads

► Pillared clays/alginate microbeads packed column prominsingly sorbed PCP from aqueous solutions. ► Operating conditions greatly influenced the column parameters. ► Introduction of surfactant in the pillared clay increases the uptake capacities. ► Thomas model predicts accurately the breakthrough curves and the column parameters.