ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF FRESH WATER BACTERIUM WITH BIOFLOCCULATING POTENTIAL

ABSTRACT

The damaging after effect of synthetic flocculants on humans and their non-biodegradable effect in the environment necessitate the search for eco-friendly and safe alternatives, such as Bioflocculant, which are biopolymers of microorganisms produced during their growth phase and  has been shown to be safe, more effective and biodegradable. Consequently, water samples obtained from Ogba River in Oredo LGA, Edo State was assessed for bacteria with high bioflocculant producing potentials. The mean heterotrophic count for water samples was determined using pour plate method and recorded as 8.9×10² cfu/ml, 7.8×10² cfu/ml and 5.5×10² cfu/ml for samples 1, 2 and 3 respectively. A total of 15 (Fifteen) Bioflocculant producing bacteria were isolated, cultured and characterized by Gram staining and biochemical tests (oxidase, catalase, indole, citrate and motility). Isolated organism also displayed varying ability to ferment glucose, fructose and sucrose, producing acid and gas in fructose and glucose fermentation while producing acid only in sucrose fermentation. Probable identities of isolates were determined as Bacillus spp, Aeromonnas spp, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus spp.  Flocculating activity of bacteria isolate using optical density was also determined, with isolate showing an activity range of 20% - 69%.  BIO 1 and BIO 3 displayed the highest flocculating activity of 69% and 60% respectively. These values indicate the promising application of bioflocculant in water treatment, potentially out performing traditional synthetic flocculants.