Flocculation of Pseudomonaswith aluminum sulfate for enhanced biodegradation of synthetic dyes

A Pseudomonas strain, which could degrade synthetic azo dyes, was flocculated with aluminum sulfate (alum) for enforced immobilization. Alum at 800 mg/L was required to immobilize 60% of the cells in a nutrient-rich culture medium which contained 180 mg dry cell/L. The flocculation efficacy was consistent (83-85%) in a pH range from 4 to 10. Up to 95% of bacterial activity was lost when the cells were flocculated at a pH below 7 compared to about 70% activity lost at pH 8.