The biosorption capacities of palladium and platinum were studied in three different species of Desulfovibvio: Desulfovibrio desulfuricans, Desulfovibrio fructosivorans and Desulfovibrio vulgaris. The influence of several parameters such as pH, acidic background and competitor anions on biosorption equilibria and biosorption kinetics were evaluated. Differences were observed between the three strains of Desulfovibvio with respect to the optimum biosorption parameters of both metals, suggesting differences in the metal speciation-dependent sorption mechanisms involved. The most promising Pd and Pt biosorption results were obtained using D desulfuricans with rapid achievement of equilibrium (90% of total sorption was achieved in 5-15 min) and a maximum value of 190 mg g(-1) dry biomass and 90 mg g(-1) dry biomass for Pd and Pt accumulation respectively, at pH 3. (C) 2003 Society of Chemical Industry.