BIOFLOCCULANT PRODUCTION BY BIOFILM PRODUCING BACTERIA ISOLATED FROM PORTABLE WATER IN MAIDUGURI
Abstract
Biofilms are complex microbial communities that attach to surfaces and are encased in a matrix of
extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). Some biofilm-forming bacteria have the ability to
produce bioflocculants, which are polymeric substances that can bind to particles in suspension,
causing them to aggregate and settle. This study investigated the bioflocculant production potential
of biofilm-forming bacteria isolated from portable water sources in Maiduguri, Nigeria.
A total of five bacterial isolates were obtained from water samples collected from various locations
within the University of maiduguri. All isolates were identified using biochemical tests and
morphological characteristics. Biofilm formation was assessed using the plate method, and
bioflocculant production was evaluated by measuring the percentage of flocculation.
Results showed that all five isolates were capable of forming biofilms. However, only one isolate,
identified as Enterobacter aerogenes, exhibited significant bioflocculant production activity. This
finding suggests that E. aerogenes isolated from portable water in Maiduguri could be a potential
source for the production of bioflocculants.
Further research is required to optimize bioflocculant production by E. aerogenes and to
characterize the properties of the produced bioflocculant for potential applications in wastewater
treatment, bioremediation, and other relevant industries.
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