Instantaneous and reversible flocculation of Scenedesmus via Chitosan and Xanthan Gum complexation.

[Display omitted] • An instant and reversible flocculation method was developed for microalgae harvest. • Complexation of CTS and XG deduced the formation of centimeter-sized flocs. • Flocs were formed within 20 s and could resist strong hydraulic shear. • Harvesting efficiency exceeded 95% when filtered with 500-μm-pore-sized sieves. • CTS and XG could be recovered and reused by the adjustment of pH or salinity. An instantaneous and reversible flocculation method for Scenedesmus harvesting was developed, based on the complexation of Chitosan (CTS) and Xanthan Gum (XG). Under rapid stirring, Scenedesmus cells formed centimeter-sized flocs within 20 s using binary flocculants of 4 mg/L CTS and 16 mg/L XG. These flocs exhibited a remarkable harvest efficiency exceeding 95 % when filtered through 500-μm-pore-sized sieves. Furthermore, the flocs could be completely disintegrated by using alkaline or NaCl solutions (pH > 11 or NaCl concentration > 1.5 mol/L). Adjusting pH allowed recovery of 50 % CTS and 75 % XG, resulting in microalgae biomass with lower flocculant content and reducing reagent costs. Electrostatic interaction of –COO– of XG and –NH 3 + of CTS deduced the formation of polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs), which shrink and wrap the coexisting algal cells to form the flocs under stirring. CTS and XG complexation was instantaneous and reversible, explaining quick flocculation and disintegration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]