Optimization and scale-up of solid-state bioconversion for microbial coagulant production toward sustainable water treatment

Fellah, Maroua and Alam, Md. Zahangir and Mamun, Abdullah Al and Benoudjit, Abdel Mohsen and Kabbashi, Nassereldeen Ahmed and Engliman, Nurul Sakinah (2026) Optimization and scale-up of solid-state bioconversion for microbial coagulant production toward sustainable water treatment. IIUM Engineering Journal, 27 (2). pp. 15-30. ISSN 1511-788X E-ISSN 2289-7860

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Abstract

Microbial coagulants are emerging as an eco-friendly alternative to chemical coagulants owing to their non-toxicity, biodegradability, and sustainability. However, their use is limited by high production costs linked to expensive nutrient media and scalability issues. To address these challenges, this study developed a cost-effective microbial coagulant based on a fungus using cocopeat as a substrate. Growth conditions (malt extract, glucose, and pH) were optimized using the Face-Centered Central Composite Design (FCCCD) under Response Surface Methodology (RSM) to maximize coagulant yield. The performance in water treatment was evaluated using jar tests, and large-scale production techniques were investigated using a tray bioreactor and an agitated drum bioreactor (ADB). The fungal strain used in this study was identified as Phanerochaete concrescens, which demonstrated high turbidity-reducing efficiency, achieving a maximum flocculating activity of 93.06% in a standard jar test. These results were obtained under statistically optimized growth conditions, specifically 5 days of incubation at 25°C, 70% moisture content, 3% malt extract, 2.5% glucose, and pH 7, confirming model predictions. Phanerochaete concrescens was successfully scaled using a tray fermenter, achieving a flocculation rate of 92% after 5 days of incubation at 70% moisture, pH 7, and a 3 cm substrate thickness. However, in a 30 L agitated bioreactor drum, flocculating activity was recorded at 29% due to insufficient fungal growth at the tested agitation rate. This study confirms the feasibility of a cost-effective microbial coagulant that can be scaled appropriately, offering a sustainable and biodegradable alternative to chemical coagulants.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	microbial coagulant, response surface methodology, solid-state bioconversion, scale-up, water treatment
Subjects:	T Technology > TD Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering > TD201 Water supply for domestic and industrial purposes
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Engineering > Department of Biotechnology Engineering
Depositing User:	Dr Nassereldeen Kabbashi
Date Deposited:	15 Jul 2026 10:43
Last Update:	15 Jul 2026 10:43
Queue Number:	2026-07-Q3966
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/129787

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