Elisa GIANNITTI


 Elisa GIANNITTI 
Research assistant,  Biosorption
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  • Lab: 7300 Wong - Envir-Biotech
  • Office: Rm. 7280 Wong Building 

Degrees:   BEng Chemical Engineering with a Minor in Management,  McGill University (2001)

Research Project:  "Influence of Alginate Conformation on Cd Biosorption"

    - Cadmium biosorption isotherms
    - Alginate extractions from Sargassum biomass 
    - Poteniometric and conductimetric titration curves of Sargassum biomass
    - Proton-NMR anlyses of alginate and Cd-alginate complex
    - Final Presentation and a written report
Biopolysaccharide alginate is principally responsible for seaweed metal ion binding on its carboxyl groups.  Sulphonate groups may also be active to a much lesser extent at very low pH values (pH 2.5-3.5). 
The conformation of the alginate polymer determines the affinity of metals for this substrate.  The use of carbon and hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry (NMR) makes it possible to assess the influence of this conformation on the binding of divalent metals to Sargassum and other types of biomass.  The alginate present in the cell walls of the studied seaweeds is extracted with a sodium bicarbonate high temperature solution and its M/G ratios are determined by NMR.  The Mannuronic/Guluronic acid ratio in the alginate polymerss affects their metal binding properties.

Interests & Hobbies:
  • Enjoy basketball, kickboxing, and reading.