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Flocculation behavior of Sphingobium chlorophenolicum in degrading pentachlorophenol at different life stages.

The cell flocculation behavior of degrading pentachlorophenol (PCP) by using Sphingobium chlorophenolicum (Flavobacterium sp., ATCC 39723) is investigated in the present paper. It is found that these Sphingobium cells can efficiently degrade PCP when the concentration of this toxic compound is below 150 ppm. These degradation rates of PCP can be facilitated with the additions of three supplementary carbons: glutamate (4.0 g/L), glucose (3.2 g/L), and cellobiose (3.05 g/L), among which the highest specific growth rate of cells is obtained when glucose is added. More importantly, in these biodegradation experiments described herein, in order to investigate the cell flocculation behavior, the temporal variations of cell size, zeta potential, and stability ratio of the cell suspension are also measured. It is found that, no matter what kind of supplementary carbon source is added, the highest stability ratio of the cell suspension can be always obtained at the end of the exponential growth phase, which can be well explained by using the results of cell size and zeta potential measurements according to the DLVO theory.

Alphaproteobacteria↗

Construction of biofilms with defined internal architecture using dielectrophoresis and flocculation.

A novel approach was developed for the construction of biofilms with defined internal architecture using AC electrokinetics and flocculation. Artificial structured microbial consortia (ASMC) consisting of localized layered microcolonies of different cell types were formed by sequentially attracting different cell types to high field regions near microelectrodes using dielectrophoresis. Stabilization of the microbial consortia on the electrode surface was achieved by crosslinking the cells using the flocculant polyethyleneimine (PEI). Consortia of Escherichia coli, Micrococcus luteus, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were made as model systems. Also, more natural consortia were made of the bacteria Pseudomonas putida, Clavibacter michiganense, and Methylobacterium mesophilum, which are found together in consortia during biodegradation of metal-cutting waste fluids.

Actinomycetales↗

Flocculation of industrial and laboratory strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

A comparative study has been made of different laboratory and industrial wild-type strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in relation to their flocculation behavior. All strains were inhibited by mannose and only one by maltose. In regard to the stability of these characters in the presence of proteases and high salt concentrations, a relevant degree of variation was found among the strains. This was to such an extent that it did not allow their inclusion in the Flo1 or NewFlo phenotypes. Genetic characterization of one wild-type strain revealed that the flocculation-governing gene was allelic to FLO1 found in genetic strains.

Alleles↗

Genetic control of flocculation in Escherichia coli.

Escherichia coli cells form flocs or aggregates by overproducing type 1 pili. When the pil operon is placed under the control of a tac or lac promoter-operator sequence, the bacterial cells can be induced to form flocs by adding isopropyl-beta-D-thiogalactopyranoside to the culture medium. This phenomenon of genetically induced flocculation can aid in the downstream of biological products. This paper describes the construction of two artificially controlled plasmids which cause cell flocculation. Cell aggregates 50 microns in mean diameter were obtained 1 h after the cells were induced.

Cloning, Molecular↗

Continuous alcoholic fermentation process in a tower reactor with recycling of flocculating yeast.

The influence of different substrate concentrations on the performance of a continuous system of alcohol production by fermentation using a tower reactor with recycling of flocculating yeasts was investigated. All experiments were carried out using a flocculating yeast strain IR-2, isolated from fermented food, and identified as Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Cane sugar juice was used as a substrate with sugar concentrations of 160, 170, 180, 190, and 200 g/L. Constant values of dilution rate, 0.20 h-1, temperature, 30 degrees C, and pH 3.3, were used. The performance of the reactor was observed to be efficient with high substrate concentrations. Maximum productivities of 18 g/L/h 99% substrate conversion and ethanol concentrations of 90 g/L were obtained using 200 g/L of sugar in the feedstock. For substrate concentrations of 160 g/L, a maximum yield of 0.45 g of ethanol/g of sugar was observed or 90% of the theoretical value.

Biotechnology↗

Construction of a flocculent Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain secreting high levels of Aspergillus niger beta-galactosidase.

A flocculent Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain secreting Aspergillus niger beta-galactosidase activity was constructed by transforming S. cerevisiae NCYC869-A3 strain with plasmid pVK1.1 harboring the A. niger beta-galactosidase gene, lacA, under the control of the ADH1 promoter and terminator. Compared to other recombinant S. cerevisiae strains, this recombinant yeast has higher levels of extracellular beta-galactosidase activity. In shake-flask cultures, the beta-galactosidase activity detected in the supernatant was 20 times higher than that obtained with previously constructed strains (Domingues et al. 2000a). In bioreactor culture, with cheese-whey permeate as substrate, a yield of 878.0 nkat/gsubstrate was obtained. The recombinant strain is an attractive alternative to other fungal beta-galactosidase production systems as the enzyme is produced in a rather pure form. Moreover, the use of flocculating yeast cells allows for enzyme production with high productivity in continuous fermentation systems with facilitated downstream processing.

Aspergillus niger↗

Studies of immunoglobulins, bentonite flocculation and IgE, IgG and IgM antibodies in serum from patients with trichinosis.

Serial serum samples were obtained from two patients from a family of four who ingested raw pork at a known time and in whom trichinosis developed. Single and occasionally two serum samples were obtained from other patients with proved trichinosis. Studies of these serum samples showed that elevations of serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels do occur but not in all serum samples and that even when these levels are elevated, they are not high enough to be of diagnostic value. This is also true for serum immunoglobulin M (IgM). Using a solid phase radioimmunoadsorbent test, IgE, IgG and IgM antibodies were detected in the serums. The IgE antibody activity appeared early but was not present in all samples. The IgM antibody activity appeared later than the IgE and IgG antibody activity, and there was a statistically significant correlation between IgM antibodies as determined by radioimmunoassay and the bentonite flocculation titers suggesting that the bentonite flocculation is due to IgM antibody. IgM antibodies detected by radioimmunoassay were positive in all serum samples from patients with trichinosis except for a sample obtained 3 days after the onset of symptoms. The early increase in IgG antibodies and the occurrence of these antibodies in all serum samples obtained more than 3 days after onset of symptoms suggest a potential diagnostic use if serial samples are available early in the course of the disease.

Bentonite↗

Microbially induced flotation and flocculation of pyrite and sphalerite.

Cells of Paenibacillus polymyxa and their metabolite products were successfully utilized to achieve selective separation of sphalerite from pyrite, through microbially induced flocculation and flotation. Adsorption studies and electrokinetic investigations were carried out to understand the changes in the surface chemistry of bacterial cells and the minerals after mutual interaction. Possible mechanisms in microbially induced flotation and flocculation are outlined.

Adsorption↗

Effects of glucose and mannose on the flocculation behavior of Saccharomyces cerevisiae at different life stages.

The temporal flocculation behavior of Saccharomyces cerevisiae at different life stages is investigated using glucose and mannose as the different carbon sources, and the temporal variations of cell size, zeta potential and stability ratio of cell suspension are measured. It is found that the largest cell size and the lowest stability ratio of cell suspension occurred at the middle period of the exponential growth phase independent of carbon sources. The colloidal aspect was analyzed by using the DLVO theory, and indicated that the gravitational force plays a major role in determining the flocculation behavior of yeast cells.

Cell Cycle↗

Treatment of olive mill effluents Part II. Complete removal of solids by direct flocculation with poly-electrolytes.

The pre-treatment of three different olive oil processing effluents by means of direct flocculation (i.e. without prior coagulation) was investigated. Four cationic and two anionic poly-electrolytes were tested and most of them were found capable of removing nearly completely total suspended solids (TSS) as well as reducing considerably the concentration of chemical (COD) and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD(5)) without altering solution pH. Flocculant dosage was crucial to achieve effective separation. For three cationic and one anionic poly-electrolytes, the minimum dosage required to initiate separation was about 2.5-3 g/L. The remaining two poly-electrolytes failed to cause separation even at dosages as high as 7 g/L. Lime and ferric chloride were also tested as reference coagulants and found quite effective in terms of TSS removal although the degree of COD reduction was generally lower than that with poly-electrolytes. However, lime treatment would require greater dosages and longer treatment times than that with poly-electrolytes and would also increase considerably solution pH. A preliminary cost analysis showed that lime treatment for complete solids removal was generally less costly than that with poly-electrolytes presumably due to its low market price. Nonetheless, cost-benefits may be defied by several drawbacks associated with the use of lime.

Costs and Cost Analysis↗

Intrinsic kinetics of continuous growth and ethanol production of a flocculating fusant yeast strain SPSC01.

The intrinsic kinetics of continuous yeast cell growth and ethanol production for a self-flocculating fusant yeast strain SPSC01 was investigated by means of mechanically dispersing the flocs and correspondingly established floc size distribution on-line monitoring technique using the focused beam reflectance measurement system, through which the floc intra-particle mass transfer limitation was effectively eliminated, but its ethanol formation metabolism was not affected. Modified kinetic models were developed, which can be used to predict the continuous kinetic behaviors of SPSC01, especially when low dilution rates are applied and limiting substrate concentrations are undetectable and almost all kinetic models developed previously are failed in predicting corresponding kinetic behaviors. Both substrate and product inhibitions reported for freely suspended yeast cell ethanol production were also observed for SPSC01 when high gravity media were fed and relatively high levels of residual sugar and ethanol presented. Model parameters were evaluated through numerical calculation method and validated by experimental data mu = 0.584C(s)/0.155 + C(s) + C(2)(s)/160.7(1 -P/125)(3.68) + 0.004 for growth, nu = 1.998C(s)/0.427 + C(s) + C(2)(s)/366.7(1- P/125)(1.72) + 0.060 for ethanol production These intrinsic kinetic models can be further used to develop the observed kinetic models that quantitatively correlate the impact of the self-flocculating yeast cell size distributions on their apparent rates for yeast cell growth, substrate uptake and ethanol production and optimize the ethanol production process.

Algorithms↗

Coagulation-flocculation-decantation of dye house effluents: concentrated effluents.

The treatment and valorization (recycling of water and mineral salts) of dyeing effluents constitutes a major economic and environmental issue. Cotton dyeing using reactive dyes is actually the most polluting in terms of discharge. In order to treat and valorize the effluent from a dyeing process using reactive dyes, the firm Clariant and the LPPE have developed and patented a process allowing the recovery of most of the water and salts present in the effluent and also of a concentrate containing the hydrolyzed reactive dyes and the highly concentrated auxiliaries. This paper describes the coagulation-flocculation-decantation process used to optimize water recovery from the concentrate. Coagulants and flocculants are used in the industry for the treatment of effluents produced by the synthesis of dyes in general (acid, disperse, reactive). Although the settling velocity is relatively low, the results show that it is possible to recycle a great volume of water using a small decanter area, since the concentrate flow rate is low. These effluents are substantially discolored, it possible to envisage recycling them.

Coloring Agents↗

Treatment of olive mill effluents by coagulation-flocculation-hydrogen peroxide oxidation and effect on phytotoxicity.

The pre-treatment of olive mill effluents (OME) by means of coagulation-flocculation coupling various inorganic materials and organic poly-electrolytes was investigated. Tests were conducted with two different OME with chemical oxygen demand (COD) contents of 61.1 and 29.3 g/L, total suspended solids (TSS) of 36.7 and 52.7 g/L and total phenolic contents (TP) of 3.5 and 2.5 g/L, respectively. Inorganic materials such as lime, iron, magnesium and aluminum as well as four cationic and two anionic commercial poly-electrolytes were employed either alone or in various combinations and screened with respect to their efficiency in terms of TSS, TP and COD removal, the amount of sludge produced and the phytotoxicity of the resulting liquid to lettuce seeds. Coupling lime or ferrous sulphate (in the range of several g/L) with cationic poly-electrolytes (in the range of 200-300 mg/L) led to quantitative TSS removal, while COD and TP removal varied between about 10-40% and 30-80%, respectively, depending on the materials and the effluent in question; separation efficiency generally decreased with decreasing coagulant and/or flocculant concentration. To enhance organic matter degradation, iron-based coagulation was coupled with H(2)O(2), thus simulating a Fenton reaction and this increased COD reduction to about 60%. The original, untreated OME was strongly phytotoxic to lettuce seeds even after several dilutions with water; however, phytotoxicity decreased considerably following treatment with lime and cationic poly-electrolytes; this was attributed to the removal of phenols and other phytotoxic species from the liquid phase.

Electrolytes↗

Effect of chemical composition on the flocculation dynamics of latex-based synthetic activated sludge.

This study investigates the effect of calcium, alginate, fibrous cellulose, and pH on the flocculation dynamics and final properties of synthetic activated sludges. A laboratory-scale batch reactor, fed with standard synthetic sludges was used. The effects of varying calcium concentration (5-25 mM), alginate concentration (25-125 mg/L), fibrous cellulose concentration (0.2-0.8 g/L) and pH (3-9) on the sludge characteristics were studied by varying one parameter whilst keeping the others constant. The results from experiments indicated that the calcium, alginate, fibrous cellulose, and pH had the critical effect on the aggregation rate, flocs size, and made the improvement of the final properties of sludge. Dynamic measurements have established the optimum conditions for floc formation and can accurately reflect the state of formation of the synthetic activated sludge flocs. These correlate well with measurements of settleability and turbidity of the synthetic activated sludge. The results of this study support the bonding theory and indicate that formation of cations-polymer complexes and polymer gelation are important means of flocculation. The development of synthetic activated sludges is suggested also to be a possible surrogate for studying the final properties of activated sludge.

Alginates↗

Flocculation of activated sludge flocs by stimulation of the aerobic biological activity.

Activated sludge flocs are known to deflocculate under short-term anaerobic conditions, but little is known about possible reflocculation under subsequent aerobic conditions. When activated sludge flocs from two wastewater treatment plants deflocculated under anaerobic conditions with well-defined shear conditions, they could be almost, but not completely, reflocculated by aeration for 1-2 h under the same shear conditions. If the biological activity was reduced by adding azide, chloramphenicol or by decreasing the temperature, no or only very little reflocculation took place. This indicated that the reflocculation was under direct or indirect microbial control. Only a small part of the reflocculation was due to improved flocculation properties obtained by oxidation of Fe(II) to Fe(III), which is a better flocculant. Fe(II) was produced under the anaerobic conditions by microbial iron reduction, and it was oxidized to Fe(III) within less than one hour after the aeration was started. However, by comparing two different sludges with different capabilities for iron reduction, iron oxidation and responses to substrate addition, it was found that the aerobic biological activity most likely was of greatest significance for the observed reflocculation and floc formation under aerobic conditions. This was further supported by adding organic substrates (glucose or ethanol) during the aerobic reflocculation phase, which promoted reflocculation. However, some substrates had the opposite effect (acetate and lactate), where a deterioration of the reflocculation was observed, probably due to different responses from different groups of microorganisms in the sludges.

Bacteria, Aerobic↗

Chemical coupling of photocatalysis with flocculation and adsorption in the removal of organic matter.

An experimental investigation was made to study the effects of chemical coupling of flocculation and adsorption with photocatalysis in treating persistent organic pollutants in wastewater. The photocatalysis alone showed initial reverse reaction when titanium oxide (TiO(2)) was used in catalysis. The effect of the pretreatment of adsorption with powdered activated carbon (PAC) on photocatalysis was studied. The results showed that PAC adsorption followed by photocatalysis was not effective in alleviating reverse reaction. On the other hand, when PAC and TiO(2) were added simultaneously, the reverse reaction was eliminated. Further, the organic removal was also improved by simultaneous PAC and TiO(2) additions. When flocculation with ferric chloride (FeCl(3)) was used as pretreatment, the organic removal efficiency was superior. The initial reverse reaction was also eliminated/minimized. However, inadequate doses of FeCl(3) (less than 30 mgl(-1)) resulted in initial reverse reaction and inferior DOC removal.

Adsorption↗

Removal of phenol from water by adsorption-flocculation using organobentonite.

Bentonite modified with short chain cationic surfactant might be the basis of a new approach to removing organic pollutants from water. The treatment process involves dispersing bentonite to the contaminated water and then adding a small cationic surfactant so as to result in flocs which are agglomerates of organobentonite and bound organic pollutants. The flocs are then removed from the solution by sedimentation. Experimental results indicate that BTMA-bentonite displays a high affinity for phenol, possibly because phenol molecules interact favorably with the benzene ring in BTMA ion through increased pi-pi type interactions. Under appropriate operating conditions, 90% phenol removal and nearly 100% bentonite recovery could be achieved by the adsorption flocculation process using BTMA-bentonite. Additionally, the insensitivity of the process to the changing ionic strength of the solution and rapid adsorption kinetics made adsorption-flocculation with BTMA-bentonite attractive for continuous treatment of large volumes of industrial wastewater. The bentonite may function as a recyclable surfactant support for the adsorption and subsequent combustion of organic pollutants.

Adsorption↗

Modelling of flocculation and transport of cohesive sediment from an on-stream stormwater detention pond.

A new model to predict the transport characteristics of suspended sediment from an on-stream stormwater management pond is presented. It is based on Krishnappan's model of flocculated settling in still water, which was extended to dynamic conditions and verified by experiments with stormwater pond sediment in a laboratory rotating flume. The model was derived from first principles, but some input parameters, such as floc properties, had to be obtained by calibration, and input parameters describing flow field properties were obtained from a kappa-epsilon turbulence model. Simulated suspended concentrations vs. time and the size distribution of the flocculated sediment, produced with the calibrated model, agreed well with flume measurements.

Flocculation↗