Degrees:

• Ph.D. Chemical Engineering,  McGill University
• M.Sc. Engineering, Federal University of Pernambuco (Brazil, 2001) 
• B. Eng., Federal University of Pernambuco (Brazil, 1992)
   

Thesis Research Project:  "Biosorption of Metals from Non-Aqueous Solutions"

Outline
Biosorption process has been shown as a potent and most cost-effective means of  safely removing toxic heavy metals  from  aqueous environments.  While some anionic metal species and their complexes  often pose a serious health hazard (Cr, As, Se, V, etc.) , others are precious (Au).  New biosorbent materials are being examined for their anion uptakes and the sequestration mechanisms are studied.  Mathematical process models are being proposed to accelerate further work and aid in the biosorption process scale up and applications.
 

Publications:

• Diniz, V., Weber, M.E., Volesky, B. and Naja, G.M.  2008.  Column biosorption of lanthanum and europium by Sargassum.  Water Res. 42, 363-371.
•  Diniz, V. and Volesky, B.  2006.  Desorption of La, Eu and Yb from Sargassum.  Separation and Purification Technology  50, 71-76.
•  Diniz, V. and Volesky, B. 2005.  Effect of counterions on lanthanum biosorption by Sargassum polycystum.  Water Research 39 (11, June), 2229-2236.
• Diniz, V. and Volesky, B. 2005.  Biosorption of La, Eu and Yb using Sargassum biomass.  Water Research 39 (1), 239-247.