Selectivity of heavy metal binding by algal polysaccharides

Abstract
The selectivity of heavy metal binding by algal polysaccharides such as alginic acid, carrageenan types and agar was investigated. Lead was retained in highest amounts by alginate. Algal polysaccharides were ranked as: Sodium alginate > carrageenans > agar for metal binding. The functional groups of algal polysaccharides are found to be effective in heavy metal binding selectivity and those containing carboxylic groups retained heavy metals higher than those with sulphate groups.