eng Oriental Scientific Publishing Company Biosciences Biotechnology Research Asia 0973-1245 2026-06-25 23 2 59329 article Bhumi A. Kothia 1 Hiren B. Soni 1 Department of Environmental Science and Technology (EST), Institute of Science and Technology for Advanced Studies and Research (ISTAR), The CVM University (CVMU), Vallabh Vidyanagar, Gujarat, India This study isolates and systematically evaluates bioflocculant-producing bacteria from Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) and Pharmaceutical Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) to identify sustainable, high-efficiency alternatives to synthetic chemical coagulants. Utilizing selective isolation techniques, 73 distinct bacterial isolates were recovered. Morphological screening identified 45 isolates exhibiting pronounced mucoid and ropy phenotypes, indicative of robust extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) production. Subsequent quantitative screening isolated 14 elite strains from diverse Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial genera. Flocculating activity was rigorously assessed across chemically defined screening media and wastewater-based production media. Results demonstrated that native pharmaceutical effluent isolates cultivated in wastewater-derived production media achieved exceptional flocculating efficiencies, frequently exceeding 95% against kaolin clay suspensions. The substitution of expensive synthetic substrates with nutrient-rich wastewater components profoundly stimulated EPS biosynthesis, validating a circular economy approach to bioflocculant mass production. Biochemical characterization highlighted the extensive metabolic diversity and environmental resilience of the isolates. These microbially derived eco-flocculants function via complex charge neutralization and polymer bridging mechanisms, presenting a highly viable, biodegradable, and non-toxic paradigm for industrial wastewater remediation that effectively eliminates the severe ecological footprint associated with conventional metal-based coagulants. https://www.biotech-asia.org/vol23no2/exploring-microbial-diversity-for-bioflocculant-production-isolation-media-specific-screening-and-evaluation-of-flocculating-efficiency/ Bacterial Isolates; Biochemical Analysis; Bioflocculant; Flocculating Activity; Morphological Characterization; Sustainable Wastewater Treatment