Flocculation properties of a bioflocculant produced by Bacillus licheniformis

Studies of the flocculation properties of bioflocculant combined with its structure characterization are helpful to develop more effective bioflocculant. This paper reports findings of our research on the flocculation properties of the bioflocculant ZS-7 in the kaolin suspension based on its structure characterization. With the addition of 2 mg/L ZS-7 and 9 mM CaCl(2), the optimum temperature for flocculation performance of ZS-7 in the kaolin suspension is about 30°C, giving the highest flocculating activity 99.2%. Studies of the flocculation properties revealed that it was stable at 60-100°C and pH 4-10. Moreover, it could flocculate a kaolin suspension over a wide range of pH (2-12) and temperatures (4-95°C) in the presence of CaCl(2).