Hydrotalcite-like compound (HTlc) which contained lanthanum cation was prepared successfully. The title compound was characterized by thermogravimetry analysis, element analysis, X-ray fluorescence, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, as well as specific surface area. The study sought to investigate the adsorption of heavy metals and dye (Pb2+, Cu2+ and methyl orange) in aqueous solution on Ben-HTlc. For optimization of adsorption behavior of the three elements, the pH value, contact time, adsorbate concentration were optimized. As for Pb2+, Cu2+ and methyl orange (MO), the single-component adsorption generally reached the maximum quantity in first 20 min and their respective adsorption capacities were 384.6 mg g(-1), 156.3 mg g(-1) and 333.3 mg g(-1) (pH = 6.5 +/- 0.1), the adsorption affinities were in the following sequence Pb2+ > MO > Cu2+. The repeated adsorption and regeneration studies showed the promising application of Ben-HTlc. The breakthrough experimental consequence had shown that the synthesized Ben-HTlc could efficiently remove heavy metals and dye from water, suggesting the potential utilization of Ben-HTlc in pollutants removal. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.