Microscopic level investigation of Ni(II) sorption on Na-rectorite by EXAFS technique combined with statistical F-tests

► The local atomic structures of Ni(II) sorption on Na-rectorite is investigated by EXAFS. ► Ni-Al LDH, Ni phyllosilicate and Ni(OH)2 as reference sample are characterized by EXAFS and compared. ► The local atomic structures of Ni(II) adsorbed differ with pH, temperature and humic substances. ► F-tests suggest that the surface precipitate is Ni-Al LDH. ► The results are quite important for the understanding of the physicochemical behavior of Ni(II).