Background and purpose: Natural organic matter in water resources (mainly caused by humic acid) leads to formation of THMs and HAAs. Removal of DBPs precursors from drinking water resources is the most important step to prevent from THMs formation. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficiency of modified nanoclay with EDTA and fresh nanoclay in adsorption of humic acid in aquatic solutions.

Materials and methods: Characteristics and chemical structure of fresh and modified nanoclays were determined via scanning electronic microscope (SEM), BET, XRD, and FTIR techniques. HA concentration was determined by spectrophotometric method in 254 nm. Langmuir, Freundlich models and pseudo-first and pseudo second-order kinetics were used for adsorption isotherm and kinetics studies, respectively.

Results: The XRD results showed that the distance between the layers increased after modification of nanoclay with EDTA. Also, BET analysis revealed that specific area of nanoclay increased from 13.02 to 28.36 m²/gr after modification. By decrease in pH the efficiency in removal of humic acid increased and in constant initial concentration of HA by increasing adsorbent dosage the adsorption capacity decreased. Adsorption of HA onto modified nanoclay and fresh nanoclay complies with Langmuir (R²=0.989) and Freundlich (R²=0.96), respectively. The pseudo-first order kinetic complies for both adsorptions.

Conclusion: This study showed that in acidic condition the modified nanoclay has an appropriate efficiency on HA adsorption.