6. Glossary

Adsorbent; adsorbent

Refers to a solid body or material that can retain free ions, molecules or macromolecules on its surface.

Adsorption; adsorption

Separation phenomenon whereby ions, molecules or macromolecules present in a liquid or gaseous matrix bind to the surface of a solid material (adsorbent) in a more or less reversible manner. The adsorbed entities constitute the adsorbate.

Bioadsorbent; biosorbent

Solid material of biological origin used in bioadsorption treatments.

Bioadsorption; biosorption

A physico-chemical separation process in which ions, molecules or macromolecules present in a liquid or gaseous matrix attach themselves to the surface of a solid material (bioadsorbent) in a more or less reversible...