Biotransformation of Cr (VI) by Newly Invented Bacterial Consortium SN6

Extensive use of hexavalent chromium in various industrial processes and improper treatment technology for remediation has laid serious public health problems. The present study was conducted to isolate chromium-reducing bacterial consortium from chromium contaminated industrial soils/effluent. Bacterial consortium SN6 having five bacterial strains led to biotransform 99.9% of 3 mM Cr (VI) under favourable conditions i.e. 35°C and pH 8.0 within 32 h. SN6 have efficiency to reduce Cr(VI) with different metals i.e. Zn, Cu, Ni, Ca, Co. V. radiata L. was utilized to evaluate phytotoxicity of hexavalent chromium detoxification. Characterization of cell associated reduced products was analysed by SEM-EDAX, XRD, FT-IR, and total chromium concentration was estimated by ICP-AES spectroscopy. SN6 reasonably tolerates and reduces hexavalent chromium under wide variety of investigational environment. That shows promise for its possible use in reclamation of chromate containing industrial wastewaters.