As the industrialization process and anthropogenic activities progress, a large amount of organic and inorganic pollutants is released into the environment. The process of removing pollutants, such as colloids, minute particles, and debris, is quite complex. However, coagulation and flocculation have proven to be the best methods for removing these pollutants. When compared to chemical methods, bioflocculation is considered the best method because chemical methods can cause serious impacts on both health and the environment. Bioflocculation is a process that is carried out by living cells, such as bacteria, fungi, algae, and plants. These cells release polymers that form aggregates of pollutants. Bioflocculants are more acceptable than chemical flocculants due to their degradability and safety. Bioflocculants are made up of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids. Bioflocculant have unique properties like biocompatiability and biodegradation with pollutants. it is mainly useful to remove the organic chemicals such as phenolic compounds, PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), VOCs (volatile organic compounds), phthalates, and surfactants and detergents. Characterization of microbial bioflocculants for the removal of organic chemicals from effluent involves several steps. Bioflocculating properties of microbes depend on the source of the microbes, cultivation conditions, and structural characterization. Floc formation is important in the removal of chemicals from industrial effluent. Complex interaction between the microbial cells and organic chemicals enables the contaminants to remove the heavy metals, organic compounds, and xenobiotics. Hence, in this chapter, we have aimed to discuss about the production, characterization, mechanism, and applications of microbial bioflocculants involved in removal of organic chemicals from industrial effluents.
