27. Bioflocculants: Nature, Functions, and Applications

Natural bioflocculants are growing interest as they are environmentally friendly, biodegradable polymers as well as more effective and can be derived from different classes of microorganisms. Another benefit of bioflocculants is that they have a relatively low toxicity therefore appropriate to use in water sources where people consume water and in sectors where water discharges into the ecosystem. The process of bioflocculation comprises bridging and charge neutralization; the molecular weight, charge densities, and functional groups of the bioflocculants significantly affect the efficiency of the processes. In addition, the bioflocculants show certain unique benefits over chemically synthesized flocculants; these are as follows: improved settling properties at a broader range of pH levels and production of low volumes of sludge. Bioflocculants have even wider uses depending on the type of flocculant including water and wastewater treatment, potable water treatment, food industry, and pharmaceutical industry. Bioflocculants also assist in the removal of heavy metals, dyes, and other pollutants during wastewater treatment thus enhancing water quality and minimizing pollution. In the food industry, they are employed in juice clarification and sugar refining. In the pharmaceutical industry, they enable and enhance drug delivery and biocompatible formulations and support the circular economy. Current developments in bioflocculants research have been directed towards improving production techniques, increasing the performance of flocculation and mechanisms of bioflocculant action. However, there are challenges that come with scaling up the production process and achieving consistent quality and performance.