EFFECTS OF LEACHED ALGINATE ON METAL BIOSORPTION

The Cu, Cd and Zn sorption capacity of formaldehyde-crosslinked seawee d biomass (Ascophyllum nodosum : FCAN) was studied using equilibrium m ethodology. The shape of sorption isotherms and biosorbent mass losses indicated that in the first uptake cycle the biosorbent leached cellu lar polysaccharides that formed precipitate with metal solutions influ encing the sorption study and application. However, since the sorption levels of washed and non-washed biosorbents were comparable, the leac hed cell wall polysaccharide(s) (alginate) could not be the main compo nent responsible for metal sorption in this case.