Evaluation of the Flocculation Potential and Characterization of Bioflocculant Produced by Micrococcus sp Leo

Bioflocculants are safe, biodegradable and environmentally friendly biopolymeric materials. These merits portend it as preferred alternative to inorganic and organic synthetic polymeric flocculants. The culture conditions optimal for the production of bioflocculant by Micrococcus sp. Leo with subsequent evaluation of the properties of the produced compound were investigated. Optimum culture conditions for bioflocculant production included 2% (vol/vol) inoculum size, incubation temperature of 28 degrees C, agitation speed of 160 rpm and initial pH of 4.0. Glucose and (NH4)(2)SO4 and Al3+ were the best as sole carbon, nitrogen and cation sources, respectively. The purified bioflocculant flocculated kaolin suspension optimally at a dosage of 0.2 mg/mL following jar test, and flocculating activity of about 70% was retained after heat treatment of 100 degrees C. Chemical analysis showed that the bioflocculant was composed of 28.4% polysaccharide, 2.6% protein and 9.7%. uronic acid. Thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated that the bioflocculant could not decompose completely at 400 degrees C. FTIR spectra revealed the presence of hydroxyl, carboxyl and amino groups as the main functional groups. The bioflocculant produced by Micrococcus sp. Leo appears to hold promise as an alternative to conventional flocculants commonly used in water/wastewater treatment.