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. 1976 Aug;32(2):303–305. doi: 10.1128/aem.32.2.303-305.1976

Viscous Product from Activated Sludge by Methanol Fermentation

Edwin N Davis 1, Lowell L Wallen 1
PMCID: PMC170054  PMID: 16345172

Abstract

Aeration of activated sludge with 3 to 4% added methanol for 5 to 7 days yields an odorless, highly viscous (5,000 to 10,000 centipoise), black, pudding-like product containing glycan(s) linked other than α-1-4 or β-1-3. Backseeding gives maximum thickening in 3 to 4 days. Incomplete acid hydrolysis of the black product gives a 0.27% solution of reducing sugars (75% glucose) which is an 11.4% yield from the added methanol. Backseeding into either centrifuge supernatant or 0.1% yeast extract in tap water gives a light-colored polymer. Viscosity decreases during extended sterile cold storage. A 5% salt addition lowers viscosity one-half. From 6 to 12 colony types appear on plating backseeded media, but none of these isolates is a reliable polymer former.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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