Abstract

Toxic hexavalent chromium, Cr(VI), was reduced to a less toxic trivalent chromium form by E. coli ATCC 33456. The suitable electron donor for Cr(VI) reduction was glucose. E. coli ATCC 33456 was more resistant to metal cations than other reported Cr(VI) reducing microorganisms. Cell growth was inhibited by the presence of Cr(VI) in a liquid medium and Cr(VI) reduction accompanied cell growth. With a hydraulic retention time of 20 h, Cr(VI) reducing efficiency was 100% to 84% when Cr(VI) concentration in the influent was in the range of 10 to 40 mg L^-1. Specific rate of Cr(VI) concentration in the influent was 2.41 mg Cr(VI) g DCW^-1 h^-1 when 40 mg :^-1 of Cr(VI) influent was used. This result suggested the potential application of E. coli ATCC 33456 for the detoxification of Cr(VI) in Cr(VI) contaminated wastewater.

• Keywords: Cr(VI); Cr(VI) reduction; batch culture; continuous culture; Escherichia coli ATCC 33456