In this study, we aimed to determine the in vitro activity of Leuconostoc mesenteroides var. mesenteroides isolated from sugar-industry effluents to produce a dextran bioflocculant from sucrose as a low-cost substrate. L. mesenteroides strains present in residual cane juice from a sugar factory were isolated and biochemically identified using Mayeux, Sandine, and Elliker agar (MSE) as a selective medium. The strain number 3 (LM03) was biochemically identified as L. mesenteroides var. mesenteroides, which was used for this study. The concentration of dextran was quantified by dry weight, the morphology and purity were evaluated using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Flocculation was evaluated via turbidimetric assays in different pH ranges from sugar-industry effluents and doses of dextran. ...

Nowadays, there is great interest in microbial fuel cells because of the different substrates that can be used in them for electric energy generation. In order to find an alternative and contribute with eco-friendly technologies, this research used the Serratia fonticola bacteria and Rhotula glutinis yeast as a fuel source through laboratory scale microbial fuel cells. A single chamber microbial fuel cell with air cathode was fabricated with a copper foil and a graphite plate as anode and cathode electrode respectively. For the characterization of the cells, physicochemical parameters such as voltage, electric current, pH and electrical conductivity were measured for 30 days and at room temperature (18 ± 2.2 °C). It was possible to generate peak voltage and current values of 0.53 ± 0.01 V and 0.55 ± 0.02 V and current values of 1.76 ± 0.16 mA and 1.52 ± 0.02 mA, for MFC...