Optimized production of a novel bioflocculant M-C11 by Klebsiella sp. and its application in sludge dewatering

The optimized production of a novel bioflocculant M-C11 produced by Klebsiella sp. and its application in sludge dewatering were investigated. The optimal medium carbon source, nitrogen source, metal ion, initial pH and culture temperature for the bioflocculant production were glucose, NaNO3, MgSO4, and pH 7.0 and 25°C, respectively. A compositional analysis indicated that the purified M-C11 consisted of 91.2% sugar, 4.6% protein and 3.9% nucleic acids (m/m). A Fourier transform infrared spectrum confirmed the presence of carboxyl, hydroxyl, methoxyl and amino groups. The microbial flocculant exhibited excellent pH and thermal stability in a kaolin suspension over a pH range of 4.0 to 8.0 and a temperature range of 20 to 60°C. The optimum bioflocculating activity was observed as 92.37% for 2.56 mL M-C11 and 0.37 g/L CaCl2 dosages using response surface methodology. The sludge resistance in filtration (SRF) decreased from 11.6 × 1012 to 4.7 × 1012 m/kg, which indicated that the sludge dewaterability was remarkably enhanced by the bioflocculant conditioning. The sludge dewatering performance conditioned by M-C11 was more efficient than that of inorganic flocculating reagents, such as aluminum sulfate and polymeric aluminum chloride. The bioflocculant has advantages over traditional sludge conditioners due to its lower cost, benign biodegradability and negligible secondary pollution. In addition, the bioflocculant was favorably adapted to the specific sludge pH and salinity.