a process for obtaining a polymeric complex from a by - product effluent obtained in a process for manufacturing alcohol by distilling a fermented aqueous sugar solution containing yeast . after distilling alcohol from the effluent a chemical or biological flocculant is added to the effluent to form a homogeneous mixture , which is heated to a temperature of at least about 80 ° c . yeast is removed from the heated mixture by a first decantation , then insoluble solids and muds are removed by a second decantation . the mixture is then concentrated by partially evaporating water therefrom to obtain an aqueous solution of the polymeric complex .