Bioflocculant Produced by Aspergillus sp. JS-42

Abstract

A bioflocculant from a fungus, Aspergillus sp. JS-42, was purified by precipitations with acetone and cetylpyridinium chloride. The flocculating activity was not significantly affected by pH from 3 to 8, but was stimulated by the addition of CaCl₂, and was effective only when the reaction mixture contained an adequate amount of flocculant. The flocculant could efficiently flocculate all tested solids suspenided in aqueous solution, including various microorganisms, organic acids, and inorganic materials.