Impact of solution chemistry conditions on the sorption behavior of Cu(II) on Lin'an montmorillonite

►The sorption of Cu(II) is strongly dependent on pH and ionic strength. ►The presence of ClO4−, NO3− and Cl− has no obvious influences on Cu(II) sorption. ►The effect of cations on Cu(II) sorption is in the sequence of Ca2+> K+> Na+. ►HA/FA has no influence at pH<6, whereas it inhibits Cu(II) sorption at pH>6. ►The sorption of Cu(II) on Lin'an montmorillonite is endothermic and spontaneous.