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Evaluation of Cr (VI) remediation potential of <i>Eichornia</i> sp in conjunction with chromium-resistant bacterial strains


Rida Batool
Tayyaba Tabassum
Muhammad Ali

Abstract

Purpose: Evaluation of Cr (VI) removal by indigenous chromium resistant bacterial strains alone and in combination with Eichornia sp.

Methods: Three chromium resistant bacterial strains S-4 Ochrobactrum grignonense, SF-5 Bacillus sp. and S-6 Ochrobactrum pseudogrignonenses were isolated from industrial effluent. The isolated chromium-resistant bacterial strains were subjected to heavy-metal resistance profiling. Cr (VI) reduction was evaluated in mobilized as well as immobilized forms. The phytoremediation potential of Eichornia sp. in conjunction with chromium resistant bacterial isolates was also determined. Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy was performed to rule out the involvement of various functional groups in the binding activity of Cr (VI).

Results: Three bacterial strains resisted up to 1000 μg/mL of potassium dichromate (K2CrO4). Bacterial strains S-4, SF-5 and S-6 showed significant Cr (VI) removal in mobilized state (84.93, 85.85 and 83.97% respectively) compared with immobilized state (41.27, 37.99, 37.96 %) at an initial concentration of 500 μg/mL of chromate. Bacterial strains caused reduction in chromate uptake in inoculated plants relative to control plants. FTIR spectra revealed significant changes in the absorption peaks, reflecting the binding of Cr (VI) ions with bacterial cell surface under stress conditions.

Conclusion: The selected isolates tested possess the ability to remove Cr (VI) synergistically with Eichornia sp.

Keywords: Phytoremediation, Heavy-metal, Pollution, Chromium-resistant bacteria


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eISSN: 1596-9827
print ISSN: 1596-5996