Understanding how specific functional groups in humic acid affect the sorption mechanisms of different calcinated layered double hydroxides

•Seven compounds were selected to simulate the effect of HA on CLDHs adsorption.•Models promote the adsorption and regeneration of Mg-CLDH but destroy the morphology.•Models inhibit the sorption of Ca-CLDH but no inhibition of structural transformation.•The effect of model is different from HA, the inhibition of HA is stronger.