Effect of pH, ionic strength, and temperature on the phosphate adsorption onto lanthanum-doped activated carbon fiber

► The feasibility of phosphate removal using ACF-La as an adsorbent was investigated. ► The effect of pH on the phosphate adsorption mechanism was identified. ► The effect of ionic strength on the mass transport of phosphate ions onto the ACF-La was examined. ► The behavior of adsorption process by means of evaluating activation energy and thermodynamic parameters was studied.