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Title: Biobased flocculants derived from animal processing protein by-products

Author
item Piazza, George
item Garcia, Rafael

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/20/2014
Publication Date: 8/19/2016
Publication URL: http://handle.nal.usda.gov/10113/5430173
Citation: Piazza, G.J., Garcia, R.A. 2016. Biobased flocculants derived from animal processing protein by-products. In: Dhillon, G. Protein Byproducts. Canada: Elsevier. p. 135-146. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-12-802391-4.00008-2.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Synthetic polymeric flocculants are class of substances that are widely used to facilitate the removal of particles or colloidal material from a liquid. Sustainable alternatives for these substances are needed. Past attempts to use biological polymers as flocculants have shown limited success. This chapter describes the utilization of animal by product proteins as flocculants. The role of protein type, molecular weight, and medium pH are discussed, along with the probable mechanism by which protein flocculants act. It is also shown that, as with all flocculants, the performance of animal protein flocculants is dependent on the specifics of the application, so they are well suited to some applications, but not others.