Immobilized preparations of the bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Rhodopseudomonas BHU strain I) and the cyanobacterium (Anacystis nidulans) exhibited significant Ni adsorption in the order 91%, 72%, 75%, respectively, within 2 h contact with aqueous NiCl2(7.05 mu g Ni/0.1 mg biomass). The immobilizing agent (Ca-alginate, 1.5%, w/v) absorbed move Ni (43%) than the exopolysaccharide of cyanobacteria, Rivularia sp. (40%) or Aphanothece sp. (30%). Ni remobilization from different adsorbed systems was maximum (84%) for Ca(NO3)(2), over NaCl (4.3%) at equimolar concentrations (12 mM, each). Extracts from forest soil (organic C, 2-3%) were more effective in N remobilization (22.65%) than similar preparations from garden soil (18%) with organic C in the range of 0.98-1.1%.