Agglutination processes of activated sludge cultures induced by extracellular lectins

We examine the agglutinating ability of five compounds, namely, A1, A2, A3, A4 and BS1, isolated from activated sludge on selective media typical of a number of dominant microbial cultures that contribute to the formation of microbial aggregates. The morphological properties of the isolates and their lectin activity, as well as the physiological and biochemical properties of individual isolates were studied; microorganisms in their composition were identified. We assessed the capacity of the isolates under study to synthesize an exopolysaccharide matrix, as well as the sedimentation of activated sludge under the action of the native solution and culture liquid of the BS1 isolate. Based on their capacity to agglutinate, the BS1 and A2 isolates were selected for further research as producers of extracellular lectins and objects of agglutination, respectively. The biophysiochemical properties and molecular-genetic identification of the BS1 isolate allowed the degree of identity with r. Bacillus to be defined (96.19%); for the A2 isolate, 92.93% identity with p. Shigella and p. Escherichia was determined. To assess the capacity to synthesize a biofilm matrix, the BS1 and A2 isolates were cultivated on an agar nutrient solution using Congo Red dye. According to the obtained results, the isolates are capable of synthesizing an exopolysaccharide matrix, the main component of bacterial biofilms. The research results on the sedimentation of activated sludge induced by the native solution and culture liquid of BS1 showed the following. The sedimentation rate of activated sludge increased significantly at the beginning of the process upon adding a BS1 cell suspension, while the introduction of the native solution of BS1 intensified the process following 5 minutes of contact. The obtained experimental data suggest that the media containing extracellular bacterial lectins can be effectively used as a coagulant (flocculant) for the sedimentation of activated sludge.