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Dr 

Tsilo, Phakamani Hopewell

Faculty: Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering
Department: Biochemistry and Microbiology
Active Research Project(s): The synthesis of nanoparticles using green chemistry.
Biography: Postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology with expertise in microbial biotechnology and wastewater treatment. His work focuses on the green synthesis of nanoparticles, bioflocculant-producing microorganisms, and their biomedical and environmental applications. He has published peer-reviewed articles, presented at international conferences, and is actively involved in supervising postgraduate students and mentoring young researchers. He is part of the organizing committee assisting the Sponsorship and Finance Coordinator.
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20221

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    PublicationJournal Article
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    Production and characterization of a bioflocculant from Pichia kudriavzevii MH545928.1 and its application in wastewater treatment
    2022
     | MDPI
    A variety of flocculants have been used to aggregate colloidal substances. However, recently, owing to the adverse effects and high costs of conventional flocculants, natural flocculants such as microbial flocculants are gaining attention. The aim of the study was to produce and characterize a bioflocculant from Pichia kudriavzevii MH545928.1 and apply it in wastewater treatment. A mixture of butanol and chloroform (5:2 v/v) was used to extract the bioflocculant. Phenol–sulphuric acid, Bradford and Carbazole assays were utilized for the identification of carbohydrates, proteins and uronic acid, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and elemental detector were employed to determine the surface morphology and elemental compositions. The removal efficiencies were 73%, 49% and 47% for BOD, COD and P, respectively. The bioflocculant (2.836 g/L) obtained showed the presence of carbohydrates (69%), protein (11%) and uronic acid (16%). The bioflocculant displayed a cumulus-like structure and the elemental composition of C (16.92%), N (1.03%), O (43:76%), Na (0.18%), Mg (0.40%), Al (0.80%), P (14.44%), S (1.48%), Cl (0.31%), K (0.34%) and Ca (20.35). It showed the removal efficiencies of 43% (COD), 64% (BOD), 73% (P) and 50% (N) in coal mine wastewater. This bioflocculant is potentially viable to be used in wastewater treatment.
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