Clays were compared with organoclays for the sorption of paraquat front aqueous solution. Sepiolite (S), bentonite (B), and illite (1) were used as clay samples. Organoclays were prepared by the modification of the clays with nonyl- and dodecylammonium chlorides, denoted as NS, DS, NB, DB, NI, and DI, respectively. Specific surface area and pore size distribution of the samples were determined by N-2 adsorption-desorption at 77 K Using the BET method. X-ray powder diffraction analysis of the samples was used to determine the effects of modifying agents on the layer structure of the clays. In the adsorption experiments, C-m values increased from 0.038 mmol/g for DS to 0.223 mmol/g for NI. K-d0.3 values ranged from 0.177 for DS to 0.843 for NI. The adsorption data indicated that illite and NI are the most effective adsorbents among these clays and organoclay samples, respectively. (c) 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.