Abstract
Flocculants are utilized in an extensive variety of industrial processes. Consequently at the current study a novel bioflocculant (BTEPS) produced by isolated Bacillus tequilensis, was separated and evaluated. The bacterial isolate was identified by16S rDNA sequencing, nucleotide sequences were saved in GenBank as Bacillus sp with accession number MG940854. Maximum bioflocculant production obtained was 8.4 g/L. Partially characterized bioflocculant exopolysaccharide (BTEPS) was characterized. Chemical examinations of the purified BTEPS showed that the BTEPS composition was found to be 80.6% suger, 16% sulphate and 0.26% protein. The monosaccharides composition and molecular weight of bioflocculant was analyzed by HPLC analysis. Its constituents were identified as Glucose, Galactose, Mannose and Xylose with molar ratio of 3.0:1.0:1.0:1.0. Results show that BTEPS has a high molecular weight (1.9234x10(4) g mol(-1)) and contains many functional groups that likely contribute to flocculation. The flocculant potential of BTEPS was investigated at different concentration. It was uncovered that activity expanded in a concentration-dependent way up to a specific farthest point, with maximum flocculation of 67.5 % at 0.6 mgml(-1) BTEPS concentration. Properties of bioflocculant BTEPS was analyzed utilizing kaolin, cations supplement had different positive effect on the flocculation among them, MgCl2 displayed the best performance, as it had high flocculating activity 83.2% whereas the presence of Fe3+ didn't have any influences on the flocculating action. Influences of temperature and pH on the flocculation were also examined. Based on a high flocculation eligibility, pH tolerance, thermal stability, BTEPS shows potential for industrial application.