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Related Experiment Videos

Viscous product from activated sludge by methanol fermentation.

E N Davis1, L L Wallen

  • 1Northern Regional Research Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Peoria, Illinois 61604.

Applied and Environmental Microbiology
|August 1, 1976
PubMed
Summary

Activated sludge aeration with methanol produces a viscous, black polymer. Backseeding accelerates thickening and yields a lighter polymer, though isolates are unreliable for production.

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Area of Science:

  • Biotechnology
  • Polymer Science
  • Environmental Microbiology

Background:

  • Activated sludge is a biological wastewater treatment process.
  • Methanol can be utilized as a carbon source by microorganisms.
  • Biopolymer production from waste streams is of environmental interest.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the production of a novel biopolymer from activated sludge using methanol.
  • To characterize the physical and chemical properties of the produced polymer.
  • To explore methods for optimizing polymer yield and properties.

Main Methods:

  • Aeration of activated sludge with methanol (3-4%) for 5-7 days.
  • Backseeding with previously cultured sludge to accelerate thickening.

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  • Acid hydrolysis to determine sugar content and yield.
  • Viscosity measurements and salt addition tests.
  • Microbial analysis of backseeded media.

    • Main Results:

    • A viscous, black, pudding-like polymer was produced, containing unique glycan linkages.
    • Backseeding reduced thickening time to 3-4 days and resulted in a lighter-colored polymer.
    • Hydrolysis yielded reducing sugars, primarily glucose (11.4% yield from methanol).
    • Polymer viscosity decreased with storage and salt addition.
    • Multiple colony types were observed in backseeded media, but none were consistent polymer producers.

    Conclusions:

    • Methanol-augmented activated sludge aeration can produce a novel biopolymer.
    • Backseeding is an effective method for accelerating biopolymer production and modifying its appearance.
    • The polymer's properties are sensitive to storage conditions and chemical additives.
    • Further research is needed to identify and optimize reliable microbial strains for consistent biopolymer production.