| Title |
ACTIVATED SLUDE FOAMING ; GROWTH , BIOSURFACTANT AND FOAMING CHARACTERISTICS OF RHODOCOCCUS BUBR4 |
| Authors |
(A . R . Khan) ; (Kyung Sok Min) ; (Yong Jum Jung) |
| Abstract |
Rhodococcus rubra, being a slow growing filamentous species, is a proven stable foam forming actinomycete in wastewater treatment systems. This paper examines the growth characteristics of this species, its biosurfactant production and its foaming characteristics in comparison to sludge samples from both foaming and non-foaming plants. In continuation of our previous work, growth studies of Rhodococcus rubra were investigated at 37˚C using Czapek as growth medium. The results indicate that increasing the growth temperature from 28 to 37℃, neither the cell surface activity nor the yield of the biopolymer was enhanced. Nostocoida limicola dominated samples, although, showed a marked decrease in surface tension and higher foaming potential, yet the stability of these foams was less marked compared to the Nocardia dominated ones. Critical values of surface tension have been determined, above which, foaming is unlikely. These values can be used as a tool to assess the foaming condition in a plant prior to its aggravation. |