In this study, the adsorption properties of two different marine algae (Ulva fasciata (green algae) and Sargassum sp. (brown algae)) were investigated. Equilibrium isotherms and kinetics were studied to evaluate the relative ability of the two algae to sequester Cu(II) from aqueous solutions. The maximum biosorption capacity obtained was 73.5 mg g(-1) for U fasciata and 72.5 mg g(-1) for Sargassum sp. at a solution pH of 5.5 +/- 0.5. A significant fraction of the total copper(II) uptake was achieved within 30 min. The copper(II) uptake by the biosorbents was best described by pseudo-second-order rate model. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.