BIOLOGICAL SUBSTRATES FOR METAL PRECONCENTRATION AND SPECIATION

This article summarizes the state of the art of metal preconcentration and speciation using biological organisms such as algae, plant-derive d materials, bacteria, yeast, fungi and erythrocytes. Although biosorp tion has been the subject of increasing research for a variety of reas ons, including its potential application in the recovery of metals fro m manufacturing processes, the treatment of contaminated water and the recovery of precious metals in mining operations, only recently has i t been exploited for analytical measurement. Basic techniques and prin ciples are discussed and recent developments reviewed. Special attenti on is given to immobilization procedures and some biosorption mechanis ms are considered.