Ulva and Rare Earth Elements.

               Several Macroalgae, including Ulva, have the unique ability to absorb                           Rare Earth Elements directly from the water in which they grow.
rare earth elements image

The Oceans are full of tiny particles of Rare Earth Elements.

 It is our mission to help capture these valuable resources by utilising our knowledge of various types of macroalgae and farming techniques.


REE (Rare Earth Element) extraction from Ulva is a promising and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional mining and processing methods. The process relies on the ability of Ulva species, a type of green macroalgae, to act as a biosorbent and accumulate REEs from aqueous solutions.

Certain areas around the UK coastline hold many minute particles of REEs. The specific rare earth minerals that Ulva and other macroalgae absorb include:

Lanthanum (La) 

Neodymium (Nd)

Dysprosium (Dy)

Yttrium (Y)

Lithium (Li)

Europium (Eu)

Praseodymium (Pr) 

Gadolinium (Gd)

Cobalt (Co)

and Scandium (Sc)


                                         How does it work?


The Mechanism of REE Biosorption by Ulva and similar seaweeds.

Ulva species, such as Ulva lactuca, have a high capacity to bind with metal ions, including REEs. This is due to the presence of certain functional groups in their biomass, particularly the sulphated polysaccharide known as ulvan, as well as hydroxyl (-OH), carboxylic (-COOH), and amide (N-H) groups. These groups provide a large surface area with a negative charge, which attracts and binds to the positively charged REE ions.


                                          Our Services to the REE industry.

Ulva Sea Farms UK is offering the opportunity to harness rare earth elements from the seas around us, working with other stakeholders in the REE industry, both here in the UK and abroad.

Our methods of growing macroalgae, both Ulva and other seaweeds, are well-suited to the capture of REE particles. The process is cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

For more information about our services, REE capture and extraction, please email us directly ulvaseafarms@email.com 

The search for REEs starts here.

Ulva seaweed (commonly known as sea lettuce) is well-known for its ability to absorb various metals from its environment, thanks to its high surface area and rich polysaccharide content.

The key compound in Ulva, Ulvan, is a sulfated polysaccharide that can bind with metal ions, making Ulva a candidate for bioremediation.

 Algae as Biosorbents for Lithium

While most research focuses on heavy metals like cadmium, copper, and lead, there's growing interest in using algae to recover lithium from industrial effluents—especially given lithium's rising demand in battery production. 

Promising Algal Candidates:

Ulva Sea Farms propagates and farms macroalgae (both green and brown) known for their high surface area and pore size, which enhances metal adsorption. Though most studies focus on lead and copper, its structure suggests potential for lithium uptake.

Brown algae have abundant cell wall polysaccharides and have shown strong biosorption capacities. They’ve been reused in multiple adsorption/desorption cycles, which is promising for lithium recovery.

                                                     Going Deep!

The main sources of rare earth elements (REE) in the oceans are deep-sea sediments, particularly polymetallic nodules and cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts found on the ocean floor, especially in the Pacific and Indian Oceans

.These deposits are formed over millions of years as elements are scavenged from the water column by iron and manganese oxides and hydrothermal vents. 

Types of Ocean-Floor Deposits

  • Ferromanganese Nodules and Crusts: These are potato-sized or continuous layers of iron and manganese oxides that accrete on the seafloor. They can contain high concentrations of REEs, with some deposits having levels comparable to land-based ore deposits. 

  • Seafloor Massive Sulfides (SMS): Found at hydrothermal vent fields, these deposits are also rich in metals and can serve as a REE source. 

  • Deep-Sea Sediments: Sediments also accumulate REEs through various processes, including scavenging by iron and manganese oxyhydroxides. 

Locations with High REE Concentration

  • Pacific Ocean: Both the eastern South Pacific and central North Pacific are known for deep-sea muds and nodules with high REE concentrations. 

  • Indian Ocean: The seamount crusts in the Indian Ocean also contain significant REE resources. 

  • Atlantic Ocean: While REE concentrations may be lower than in the Pacific, deposits on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge are also being studied for their potential. 

  • Closer to home, the south west of England and some coastal areas of Wales show potential for REE extraction. 

Formation Processes

  • Scavenging: Dissolved REEs from seawater are removed from the water column and attached to particles rich in iron and manganese oxyhydroxides. 

  • Hydrothermal Activity: Hot plumes from hydrothermal vents release elements from the Earth's interior, and these elements are then deposited on the ocean floor, adding to the REE concentration.