[en] The surface property of attapulgite was investigated by N₂-BET surface area and zeta potential analysis in this paper. Solution pH had a remarkable effect on the sorption process, indicated an inner-sphere complexation. Humic acid (HA) in the solution enhanced U(VI) sorption significantly at pH < 5.0, while decreased U(VI) sorption obviously at pH > 9.0. The characteristic fluorescence changes of HA indicated that a strong chemical reaction occurred between the functional groups in HA and UO₂²⁺. The sorption was a spontaneous and endothermic process with increased entropy, and the increase in temperature would benefit the sorption. (author)