Adsorption of aqueous selenite (SeO32-) on Indian Ocean manganese nodules was studied as a function of time, temperature, pH, and concentrations of adsorbate and adsorbent in acetic acid-sodium acetate buffer medium. Analysis of adsorption data supports a heterogeneous nature for the surface of manganese nodules. The adsorption capacity of various manganese nodules for selenite was correlated with their chemical composition and surface properties.