Hydrophobic/hydrophilic properties of activated sludge exopolymeric substances

Hydrophobic interactions may be fundamental in the cohesiveness and other properties of bacterial aggregates called flocs. Exopolymeric substances (EPS) form a matrix in which bacteria and other particles are embedded. However, knowledge about EPS hydrophobic properties is rather scanty. In this study, EPS extracted from activated sludges from different origins were fractionated, exploiting their property of sorbability by non-ionic resins and the formation of precipitates under-acidic environment. In the light of the results obtained with the XAD-8 resin, at least 7% of the dissolved carbon and 12% of the proteins may be considered as hydrophobic. No carbohydrates were found in the hydrophobic fraction. The precipitable fraction at pH 2 on the other hand contained 64% carbohydrates and 76% proteins. This suggests that EPS are heteropolymers principally made up of carbohydrates and proteins.

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