ION-EXCHANGE IN NICKEL BIOSORPTION BY SEAWEED MATERIALS

This study focuses upon the nature of the biosorption of nickel by a b rown seaweed Ecklonia maxima and two seaweed-derived materials, dealgi nated seaweed waste and alginate fiber. An ion exchange relationship i n the sequestration of nickel ions and the concomitant release of calc ium ions has been identified. A millimolar equivalent relationship bet ween nickel uptake and calcium release has been elucidated. Alginate f iber was found to adsorb nickel ions faster than either dealginate or E. maxima. This study is significant in that it sheds some more light on the chemical interactions that occur in biosorption processes. Full understanding of the mechanisms of biosorption and associated chemica l interactions will allow the development of full-scale wastewater tre atment systems.