Bacterial polymer production using pre-treated sludge as raw material and its flocculation and dewatering potential

► Sludge was first time used as a medium for EPS production. ► Effect of sludge pretreatments on EPS production and flocculation was determined. ► Bioflocculants produced in the pretreated sludge were tested in standard jar tests. ► Different EPS (slime, capsular and broth) exhibited distinct flocculation behavior.