Multiple Pollutants Removal from Industrial Wastewaters Using a Novel Bioflocculant Produced by Bacillus licheniformis NJ3

Abstract

This study deals with the potential of bioflocculant for the treatment of various industrial wastewaters. Bioflocculant (BFBl) produced by Bacillus licheniformis NJ3, showed 97% flocculating activity in primary screening (kaolin assay). The characteristics of the BFBl such as temperature and pH stability, cation‐independency makes the flocculation process more economic as harmful coagulants and stabilizers are not required. BFBl efficiently treated synthetic wastewaters as compared to alum by reducing turbidity (69–87%), chemical oxygen demand (50–80%) and oil (87%). Further BFBl was used to treat pesticide, petroleum, pharmaceutical and starch processing industrial wastewaters having diversified pH. It reduced total suspended solids (61.9–80%), turbidity (54–94%), total dissolved solids (11–54%), oil and grease (75%) and heavy metals (62–100%) from wastewaters in the absence of cations without altering the temperature and pH. Additionally, Sludge settling process in the presence of BFBl was three times faster as compared to alum. Thus, BFBl successfully treats various wastewaters reducing multiple pollution indices. BFBl was a glycoprotein with 92% polysaccharide and 7% protein contents providing biodegradable nature. As a result, BFBl emerged as environment‐friendly and economical alternative for the bioremediation of various industrial wastewaters. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38: S306–S314, 2019

Bacillus species for sustainable management of heavy metals in soil: Current research and future challenges

“…An unstable intermediate is produced during this transition (Cr 5+ ), which is controlled by NADH/NADPH [151]. Numerous studies Nguema et al [152] and Joshi et al [153] indicated that B. licheniformis removed 95% and 69.4% of Cr. Over 81% of the Cr was eliminated by B. cereus.…”