Influence of extraction methods on proteins and carbohydrates analysis from MBR activated sludge flocs in view of improving EPS determination

Results showed that Triton X-100 achieved the highest extraction values in terms of proteins (81.64 ± 12.9 mg BSA/g VSS) and carbohydrates (10.3 ± 1.4 mg Glucose/g VSS) concentrations linked to lower DNA values (4.9 ± 0.8 mg DNA/g VSS). In addition, epifluorescence microscope images showed the high extent of the extraction achieved. For this protocol, BCA and Dubois analytical methods were chosen since SAM found out interferences with Anthrone and Lowry, and consequently, they were recommended for data comparison in MBR plants, and for fouling prediction.