This paper presents the adsorption of Cu(II) from aqueous solution on modified Unye bentonite. Adsorption of Cu(II) by manganase oxide modified bentonite (MMB) sample was investigated as a function of the initial Cu(II) concentration, solution pH, ionic strength, temperature and inorganic ligands (Cl-, SO42-, HPO42-). Changes in the surfaces and structure were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared (IR) spectroscopy, N-2 gas adsorption and potentiometric titration data. The adsorption properties of raw bentonite (RB) were further improved by modification with manganese oxide. Langmuir monolayer adsorption capacity of the MMB (105.38 mg/g) was found greater than that of the raw bentonite (42.41 mg/g). The spontaneity of the adsorption process is established by decrease in Delta G which varied from -4.68 to -5.10 kJ mol(-1) in temperature range 303-313 K. The high performance exhibited by MMB was attributed to increased surface area and higher negative surface charge after modification. (c) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.