Ammonia-nitrogen and phosphates sorption from simulated reclaimed waters by modified clinoptilolite

► The salt and thermally modified clinoptilolite can effectively sorb NH3-N and phosphates. ► The phosphorus and nitrogen removal was consistent with Langmuir isotherm model. ► The modified clinoptilolite possesses rapid adsorption and slow balance characteristics. ► The adsorption is more in line with the Elovich adsorption dynamics equation. ► The entropy effect plays the role of the main driving force in the adsorption.