Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to adsorbents for removing hydrophobic materials from a fluid. The adsorbents include a modified clay and a binding material associated with the modified clay. The modified clay may be functionalized with a plurality of oleophilic functional groups, such as silane coupling agents. The binding material may include polymers, asphalt, and cement. Additional embodiments pertain to methods of removing hydrophobic materials from a fluid by associating the fluid with the aforementioned adsorbents. This results in adsorption of hydrophobic materials from the fluid to the adsorbent and formation of hydrophobic material-adsorbent complexes.