Abstract
The purpose of this study is to investigate the feasibility and efficiency of using a suspension of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans Ach 1 bacterium as a natural bio-coagulant for the treatment of model wastewater containing milk, which simulates effluent from dairy processing plants. Laboratory experiments were conducted using a model solution prepared from cow's milk and distilled water. The bacterial suspension was introduced into the model solution at various volumetric ratios (1-40%). Lactose concentration, turbidity and elemental composition of the sludge were determined according to GOST standards and instrumental analysis. A comprehensive literature review of dairy wastewater characteristics and treatment methods was performed to contextualize the study. The degree of purification of the model solution was assessed by measuring the lactose content after treatment with the biocoagulant. In the control solution without the biocoagulant, the lactose concentration was found to be 0.46 g/mL. Introduction of the biocoagulant at 6% volume reduced the lactose content by 39.1 ± 3.0%, while at 40% volume it decreased by 92.5 ± 7.1%. The results suggest that A. ferrooxidans Ach 1 suspension can serve as an effective bio-coagulant for the pre-treatment of milk-containing industrial wastewater.