Efficiency of Dextran as a Bioflocculant in the Treatment of Industrial Wastewater

de La Cruz Noriega M.; Salvatierra W.E.; Chirinos L.C.; Cárdenas M.G.; Villanueva K.M. · International Journal of Environmental Science and Development (2026) · DOI: 10.18178/ijesd.2026.17.2.1570

Resumen

Wastewater treatment using biopolymers produced by bacteria is an emerging approach that seeks to offer sustainable and efficient solutions for wastewater management. For this reason, the present work evaluated the efficiency of dextran as a in the treatment of industrial wastewater. A molecularly identified strain whose 100% identity corresponded to the species Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides was used for this purpose. The flocculant activity of dextran was evaluated using doses of 20 and 40 ppm, while a concentration of 5 ppm was used for aluminum sulfate. Subsequently, the contents were transferred to 250 mL cylindrical test tubes and left to stand for 96 h. To analyze the effectiveness of these treatments in water purification, parameters such as turbidity, dissolved oxygen, and total solids were assessed in the treated samples and compared to an untreated control. While aluminum sulfate was found to be more effective in reducing turbidity and total solids, dextran demonstrated promising results, particularly at higher concentrations, where an enhancement in dissolved oxygen efficiency was observed. Additionally, dextran, at a concentration of 40 ppm, was identified as the most effective treatment in reducing fecal coliforms. In summary, dextran is presented as a promising option for wastewater treatment, highlighting its efficacy and environmental benefits. Copyright

Instituciones: Universidad César Vallejo