IJERPH, Vol. 16, Pages 4001: Removal of Pollutants in Mine Wastewater by a Non-Cytotoxic Polymeric Bioflocculant from Alcaligenes faecalis HCB2

IJERPH, Vol. 16, Pages 4001: Removal of Pollutants in Mine Wastewater by a Non-Cytotoxic Polymeric Bioflocculant from Alcaligenes faecalis HCB2 International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph16204001 Authors: Tsolanku Sidney Maliehe Albertus Kotze Basson Nkosinathi Goodman Dlamini Bioflocculation is a physicochemical technique often employed to efficiently remove colloidal water pollutants. Consequently, in this study, a bioflocculant was produced, characterised and applied to remove pollutants in mine wastewater. The maximum flocculation activity of 92% was recorded at 30 °C, pH 9.0 when maltose and urea were used as energy sources and 72 h of fermentation at the inoculum size of 1% (v/v). K+ proved to be a favourable cation. The bioflocculant yield of 4 g/L was obtained. Scanning electron microscopy illustrated a hexagonal-like structure of the bioflocculant. It is composed of carbohydrates and proteins in mass proportion of 88.6 and 9.5%, respectively. The Fourier transform infrared spectrum revealed the presence of hydroxyl, amide and amino functional groups. More than 73% of the bioflocculant was obtained after exposure to 600 °C using the thermogravimetric analyser. Human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK 293) cells exhibited 95% viability after being treated with 200 µg/µL of the bioflocculant. The flocculation mechanisms were proposed to be as a result of a double layer compr...
Source: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Tags: Article Source Type: research