Synthesis of a Bioflocculant Using Blood Plasma: A Promising Approach for Sustainable Water Treatment

The exponential growth of urban centers and the scarcity of treated water underscore the urgent need for environmental stewardship. The rising demand for alternatives to replace inorganic compounds in water treatment presents a significant opportunity to develop sustainable methods. This study evaluates the use of blood plasma-derived bioflocculants as a promising alternative. The methodology involves the separation and chemical treatment of porcine, bovine, and poultry blood plasma through acid hydrolysis with 0.1 M sulfuric acid to denature proteins, followed by drying and grinding to obtain a fine powder. The clarifying agents were characterized using Point Zero Charge (PZC), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), while turbidity removal efficiency was assessed using Response Surface Methodology with Central Composite Rotational Design (RSM–CCRD). The clarifying agents exhibited isoelectric points of 6.41, 6.47, and 6.64 for porcine, bovine, and poultry plasma, respectively. FTIR analysis confirmed amide groups and functional groups –CH, –CO, –OH, and H–S(=O) ₂ –OH, demonstrating potential for coagulation. TGA results indicated good thermal stability between 40 °C and 400 °C. The findings revealed turbidity removal efficiencies of 95%, 93%, and 90% for the agents derived from porcine, bovine, and poultry plasma, respectively. These results highlight the potential for innovation in developing water clarifiers from slaughterhouse by-products.