Abstract

CUIZANO, Norma A.; LLANOS, Bertha P.; CHANG, Lily  and  NAVARRO, Abel E.. Acid-base equilibrium of marine seaweeds from the peruvian coast elucidates its high affinity by environmental pollutants. Rev. Soc. Quím. Perú [online]. 2007, vol.73, n.2, pp.85-93. ISSN 1810-634X.

Acid-base properties of two seaweeds: Macrocystis integrifolia Bory y Lessonia nigrescens Bory collected from the Peruvian coast were evaluated using potentiometric titrations. Both algae showed strong acidic properties with pK values of 2,13 and 2,67, a respectively. This slight difference is attributed to the fucoidan/ polyalginate plus phosphorilated proteins ratio, present in the algae content. Macrocystis integrifolia Bory also demonstrated a higher negatively charged surface at pH higher than its pKa compared to Lessonia nigrescens Bory, because they contained 2,76 and 2,14 mmol of carboxyl groups per gram of algae. The results demonstrate, these algae are potential biosorbents for their application in the removal of contaminants from residual waters at real conditions; which are extreme due to their composition and acidity.

Keywords : pKa; seaweed; pH; biosorption.

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