Phormidium J-1 bioflocculant: production and activity

Abstract

Phormidium J-1, a benthic filamentous cyanobacterium, isolated from a drainage channel, was found to produce a high molecular weight polymer. This substance can flocculate bentonite particles from suspensions. At the stationary phase of growth the cells excreted this bioflocculant into the surrounding medium. Production was enhanced by reduction of the calcium content in the growth medium or by increasing its EDTA content. Above the isoelectric point (pH 3.5) the bioflocculant is negatively charged. The presence of minimal concentrations of divalent cations in the reaction mixture is required for its flocculating activity. The production of bioflocculant could be of great importance in clarification of turbid water bodies, thus allowing light penetration to the sediment/water interface. Bioflocculant production and excretion was not found in several other benthic cyanobacteria.