Biotransformation of hexavalent chromium  as influenced by indigenous microbes in  tannery effluent contaminated sites

Sunitha; R; S. K. Rajkishore

Volume : II, Issue : XI, November - 2013

Biotransformation of hexavalent chromium as influenced by indigenous microbes in tannery effluent contaminated sites

Sunitha, R, S. K. Rajkishore

Abstract :

Majority of the tannery industries are located in Ambur, Vaniyambadi, Walajapet and Thirupattur areas of Vellore district, Tamil Nadu. The industries dispose the tannery waste contained chromium into soil and onto the Palar river basin. Large amounts of Cr is found in groundwater and as well as the soil ecosystem. Based on the basic survey on tanneries and its pollution in the Vellore district, our studies focused on bio–remediation of tannery contaminated soil. Cr resistant microbes were isolated from contaminated soil and characterization was done. The cultures were evaluated with hexavalent chromium reduction in soil. Three microbial cultures were identified from the contaminated soil (Pseudomonas fluorescens, Aspergillus niger and Trichoderma viride). The per cent reduction ranged from 39 to 79 by Pseudomonas fluorescens, 30.8 to 58.4 by Trichoderma viride and 50.3 to 83.4 by Aspergillus niger. Among the three native isolates, Aspergillus niger was found relatively superior to Pseudomonas fluorescens and Trichoderma viride in reducing the Cr VI in soil.