Dhiraj B Shekhawat* and Maninder Kaur Dhaliwal
Bioflocculant are macromolecule polymers, such as proteins, polysaccharides, and lipids, which are secreted by microorganisms including algae, bacteria, actinomyces, and fungi. Biological flocculants are advantageous over chemicals due to their biodegradability and safety to living beings. In this study, garden soil, petrol pump soil, stagnant water, and sewage water from nearby Kalyan and Titwala location was collected and analysed for production of bioflocculant. A total of 26 isolates were obtained capable of producing bioflocculant. Isolate SW-4 isolated from effluent water was found to be potent bioflocculant producer. Based upon morphological and biochemical characteristics the isolate was identified as Bacillus subtilis. Among various carbon and nitrogen substrates used for bioflocculant production glucose and ammonium nitrate found to be the best carbon and nitrogen source respectively. The isolate at temperature 37°C and pH 7.0 gave 1.1 g L-1 of bioflocculant. The characterization of bioflocculant revealed it to contain protein (138 μg) and carbohydrate (32.8 μg). The FTIR analysis of the bioflocculant indicated it to be protein bound polysaccharide. The efficient flocculation capability of the bioflocculant obtained in this study therefore suggests its potential application in waste water treatment industries.
Published Date: 2023-06-16; Received Date: 2023-04-09
