1.1 Introduction
Bioflocculation can be referred to as the process where microorganism mediates the flocculation activity, where the biodegradable bioflocculant are secreted by the microorganisms (Gao et al., 2006). The bioflocculants are made up of macromolecules like polysaccharides, proteins and lipids (Deng et al., 2005). The most prominent places for the screening of bioflocculant producing microorganisms are soil, waste water, industrial effluents and activated sludge samples. The group of microbes found to produce bioflocculants are bacteria, yeast and fungi (Desouky et al., 2008). Recently bioflocculants producing microbes from human saliva and sputum which is quite an unusual environment has been discovered (Zhao et al., 2013).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Bioflocculant has many advantages over chemical flocculants which include: biodegradability, nontoxic to human health, environmentally friendly and no risk of secondary pollutants (Nie et al. 2011, Zhang et al. 2002 and Yang et al., 2012). Chemical flocculants such as plyaluminium chloride (PAC) and polyacrylamide are popularly used. Chemical flocculants have many associated health problems which ranges from being carcinogenic and result to diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (Li et al., 2007 and Arezoo, 2002). This has raised concern over the use of chemical flocculants due to human health and the need to investigate wide variety of microbes for flocculant producing potentiality that has become necessary (Nie et al., 2011 and Zhi et al., 2010), especially in developing countries where research has been limited by many factors (Gali et al., 2016).
Bacteria, fungi, and microalgae were showed to produce bioflocculants. Microorganisms are selected based on various factors (morphology, the presence of slimy extracellular polysaccharides, etc.) using different methods and reagents (Congo red, crystal violet and CuSO4 solution, chelating agents, colorimetric methods, etc.). The flocculating activity (FA) was commonly evaluated using a kaolin suspension. The produced bioflocculant was also subject to qualitative analyses. Fourier transfer infrared radiation was used to analyze the structure of the bioflocculant. Interestingly, many sources were investigated to isolate microorganisms that yield flocculating substances.
Therefore, in Sokoto State University, Reservoir Tank Sokoto where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Bioflocculation of Micro organisms Produced.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Recycling and disposal of waste water from industry and municipal has become more challengeable as the levels of contaminants are increasing. The presence of toxic compounds is reportedly increasing into the waste water and the environmental regulations are becoming more stringent. Polluted water is not only affecting the fresh water stream but also contaminates the ground water sources (Mor et al., 2006). Organic pollutants have been detected in ground water and causing health problems throughout the world (Lapworth et al., 2012).
The wastewater treatment processes include flocculation and coagulation processes, which are used to precipitate solid particles and it is further removed by filtration or by gravity settling. Wastewater characterization is done on the basis of its physical and chemical properties such as temperature, color, smell, viscosity, turbidity, pH, BOD, COD, TOC, presence of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Hg, Ni, Zn, Cr, Ar, Al, Ba), toxic chemicals, total nitrogen, phosphorus, total solids and volatile solids, suspended solids and organic matters, nutrients and pathogens (Sperling, 2007). Physical, chemical and biological unit operations are integrated to develop wastewater treatment process.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to determine the Bioflocculation of Micro organisms Produced in Sokoto State University, Reservoir Tank Sokoto. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To isolate, identify and screen for bacteria capable of producing bioflocculant from three wastewater disposal sites
- To identify the bioflocculation of Micro organisms Produced in Sokoto State University, Reservoir Tank Sokoto
1.5 Significance of Study
This study will be of immense benefit to researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.6 Scope of Study
The study focuses on the Bioflocculation of Micro organisms Produced in Sokoto State University, Reservoir Tank Sokoto.
1.7 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
