Abstract: Bacterially generated polymers used as coagulants and flocculents for the removal of suspended solids from wastewater. Polymer producing bacteria such as Bacillus polymyxa NRRL 21881 are added to wastewater treatment systems. The bacteria reproduce in the system, substantially increasing the number of coagulants. Throughout their lives, the bacteria treat BOD5 in the system. When BOD5 levels are sufficiently low, the bacteria will produce polymers to increase their ability to capture organic matter. The polymers will capture the suspended particles in the water, creating strands of polymer connected particles. As different strands come into contact, they will become entwined, creating flocs. These flocs will combine and absorb the suspended particles which they encounter. If the flow of the system becomes laminar, the flocs will agglomerate to densities sufficient to allow them to fall out of suspension. The result is a reduction in effluent TSS without an offsetting increase in BOD5.

Abstract: The invention comprises the use of bacterially generated polymers as coagulants and flocculents for the removal of suspended solids from wastewater. Polymer producing bacteria such as Bacillus polymyxa NRRL 21881 are added to wastewater treatment systems. The bacteria will reproduce in the system, substantially increasing the number of coagulants over the amount of original bacteria introduced. Throughout their life cycles, the bacteria will biologically treat BOD5 in the system. When the BOD5 levels are sufficiently low, the bacteria will produce polymers to increase their ability to capture organic matter. The polymers will capture the suspended particles in the water, creating strands of polymer connected particles. As the strands come into contact with one another, the strands will become entwined, creating flocs. These flocs will combine and will absorb the suspended particles which they encounter.

Abstract: The invention comprises the use of bacterially generated polymers as coagulants and flocculents for the removal of suspended solids from wastewater. Polymer producing bacteria such as Bacillus polymyxa NRRL 21881 are added to wastewater treatment systems. The bacteria will reproduce in the system, substantially increasing the number of coagulants over the amount of original bacteria introduced. Throughout their life cycles, the bacteria will biologically treat BOD.sub.5 in the system. When the BOD.sub.5 levels are sufficiently low, the bacteria will produce polymers to increase their ability to capture organic matter. The polymers will capture the suspended particles in the water, creating strands of polymer connected particles. As the strands come into contact with one another, the strands will become entwined, creating flocs. These flocs will combine and will absorb the suspended particles which they encounter.