The effects of microstructural changes on montmorillonite–microbial interactions

•Effects of structural changes on montmorillonite–microbial interactions are studied.•Infrared spectroscopy and allied analytical techniques are applied.•Microbial interactions with acid-treated clay are confirmed.•Pure clay display greater affinity for microbes than its acid-treated counterparts.•Spatial co-variation of microbes with mineral cations is a primary adsorption mechanism.