1Zoaka, M. H., 1Faruk, A. U., 1Ibn Abbas, M., 2Buba, F. M., 3Adamu, A. and 1Ismail, H. Y.
1Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria
2 Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria
3Department of Applied Biology, Umaru Ali Shinkafi Polytechnic Sokoto, Nigeria
*Corresponding author’s Email: farukamina68@unimaid.edu.ng, doi.org/10.55639/607.02010045
ABSTRACT
Bioflocculants are emerging as promising alternatives to conventional chemical coagulants for the treatment of potable water and wastewater. Derived primarily from microbial sources and plant-based materials, these agents are biodegradable, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly. This study presents a comprehensive overview of their origins, chemical compositions, and mechanisms of action, with particular emphasis on microbial extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and the roles of polysaccharides and proteins in flocculation. The work highlights the key parameters influencing bioflocculant production, and highlights the variety of microbial strains for their roles in wastewater treatment. Applications in high-turbidity water treatment have demonstrated removal efficiencies of up to 98% for suspended solids, with turbidity reductions generally ranging from 72% to 85% in microbial systems, and reaching 99% in specific biocoagulant treatments. Bioflocculants have also shown significant efficacy in removing heavy metals and dyes. Despite their advantages, challenges remain in large-scale implementation due to limited raw material availability, complex extraction processes, and reduced effectiveness in low-turbidity systems. The study also outlines future directions for improving microbial efficacy through nutrient optimization, pH and temperature control, and the use of microbial consortia. These findings highlight the potential of bioflocculants as sustainable solutions for water and wastewater treatment, especially in resource-limited or ecologically sensitive regions.
Keywords:
Bioflocculants,
Water,
Microbial consortia,
Heavy metal,
Turbidity