Abstract: In this study, the filamentous algae Spirogyra, harvested locally, were investigated for their biosorption performance in the removal of mercury from dilute aqueous solutions. It was found that the biosorption capacities were significantly affected by solution pH, with pH 4 favoring higher mercury removal. Biosorption rate and kinetic were obtained from batch adsorption experiments. Kinetic and isotherm experiments were carried out at the optimal pH. Biosorption kinetic was found to be fast, with 90% of adsorption within 15 min and equilibrium reached at 30 min. Langmuir adsorption models was suitable for describing the short-term biosorption of mercury by the algal species. The results indicated that the biomass of Spirogyra is suitable for the development of efficient biosorbent for the removal and recovery of mercury from wastewater.