Evaluating Bioflocculation Harvesting of Freshwater and Marine Microalgae Using Exopolysaccharides (EPSs) from <i>Klebsiella</i> sp.

The rising global energy demand and environmental concerns associated with fossil fuels have intensified interest in sustainable biofuel sources, with microalgae emerging as a viable candidate due to its high biomass yield and efficient CO<sub>2</sub> conversion. However, the economic fe...

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Main Authors: Yicheng Yuan, Jingxuan Lu, Quan Wang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-12-01
Series:Separations
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2297-8739/11/12/355
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author Yicheng Yuan
Jingxuan Lu
Quan Wang
author_facet Yicheng Yuan
Jingxuan Lu
Quan Wang
author_sort Yicheng Yuan
collection DOAJ
description The rising global energy demand and environmental concerns associated with fossil fuels have intensified interest in sustainable biofuel sources, with microalgae emerging as a viable candidate due to its high biomass yield and efficient CO<sub>2</sub> conversion. However, the economic feasibility of microalgal biofuels is currently challenged by costly harvesting processes. This study investigates the use of exopolysaccharides (EPSs) derived from <i>Klebsiella</i> sp. as an environmentally friendly bioflocculant for harvesting two microalgae species: <i>Raphidocelis subcapitata</i> and <i>Dunaliella salina</i>. Comparative flocculation experiments revealed that <i>Klebsiella</i> EPS promotes efficient aggregation in <i>R. subcapitata</i>, achieving over 90% flocculation efficiency, while performance with <i>D. salina</i> was impacted by high salinity, which reduced charge neutralization and bridging effects. Structural analyses using FTIR, 3D-EEM, CLSM, and XPS elucidated the EPS composition, underscoring the roles of polysaccharides and proteins in facilitating microalgal aggregation. The findings indicate that <i>Klebsiella</i> EPS offers a sustainable alternative to chemical flocculants, supporting eco-friendly biofuel production and potential applications in wastewater treatment. This approach provides insights into optimizing EPS-based flocculation for diverse environmental conditions, paving the way for more sustainable biomass recovery practices.
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spelling doaj-art-fb116a30c3a2492098a8557d4bc1f5b62025-08-20T02:01:29ZengMDPI AGSeparations2297-87392024-12-01111235510.3390/separations11120355Evaluating Bioflocculation Harvesting of Freshwater and Marine Microalgae Using Exopolysaccharides (EPSs) from <i>Klebsiella</i> sp.Yicheng Yuan0Jingxuan Lu1Quan Wang2Department of Environmental Engineering, College of Ecology and the Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, ChinaDepartment of Environmental Engineering, College of Ecology and the Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, ChinaDepartment of Environmental Engineering, College of Ecology and the Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, ChinaThe rising global energy demand and environmental concerns associated with fossil fuels have intensified interest in sustainable biofuel sources, with microalgae emerging as a viable candidate due to its high biomass yield and efficient CO<sub>2</sub> conversion. However, the economic feasibility of microalgal biofuels is currently challenged by costly harvesting processes. This study investigates the use of exopolysaccharides (EPSs) derived from <i>Klebsiella</i> sp. as an environmentally friendly bioflocculant for harvesting two microalgae species: <i>Raphidocelis subcapitata</i> and <i>Dunaliella salina</i>. Comparative flocculation experiments revealed that <i>Klebsiella</i> EPS promotes efficient aggregation in <i>R. subcapitata</i>, achieving over 90% flocculation efficiency, while performance with <i>D. salina</i> was impacted by high salinity, which reduced charge neutralization and bridging effects. Structural analyses using FTIR, 3D-EEM, CLSM, and XPS elucidated the EPS composition, underscoring the roles of polysaccharides and proteins in facilitating microalgal aggregation. The findings indicate that <i>Klebsiella</i> EPS offers a sustainable alternative to chemical flocculants, supporting eco-friendly biofuel production and potential applications in wastewater treatment. This approach provides insights into optimizing EPS-based flocculation for diverse environmental conditions, paving the way for more sustainable biomass recovery practices.https://www.mdpi.com/2297-8739/11/12/355bioflocculationmicroalgae harvestingexopolysaccharides (EPSs)flocculation efficiency
spellingShingle Yicheng Yuan
Jingxuan Lu
Quan Wang
Evaluating Bioflocculation Harvesting of Freshwater and Marine Microalgae Using Exopolysaccharides (EPSs) from <i>Klebsiella</i> sp.
Separations
bioflocculation
microalgae harvesting
exopolysaccharides (EPSs)
flocculation efficiency
title Evaluating Bioflocculation Harvesting of Freshwater and Marine Microalgae Using Exopolysaccharides (EPSs) from <i>Klebsiella</i> sp.
title_full Evaluating Bioflocculation Harvesting of Freshwater and Marine Microalgae Using Exopolysaccharides (EPSs) from <i>Klebsiella</i> sp.
title_fullStr Evaluating Bioflocculation Harvesting of Freshwater and Marine Microalgae Using Exopolysaccharides (EPSs) from <i>Klebsiella</i> sp.
title_full_unstemmed Evaluating Bioflocculation Harvesting of Freshwater and Marine Microalgae Using Exopolysaccharides (EPSs) from <i>Klebsiella</i> sp.
title_short Evaluating Bioflocculation Harvesting of Freshwater and Marine Microalgae Using Exopolysaccharides (EPSs) from <i>Klebsiella</i> sp.
title_sort evaluating bioflocculation harvesting of freshwater and marine microalgae using exopolysaccharides epss from i klebsiella i sp
topic bioflocculation
microalgae harvesting
exopolysaccharides (EPSs)
flocculation efficiency
url https://www.mdpi.com/2297-8739/11/12/355
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AT quanwang evaluatingbioflocculationharvestingoffreshwaterandmarinemicroalgaeusingexopolysaccharidesepssfromiklebsiellaisp