Bioremediation of Hexavalent Chromium Contaminated Soil Using Chromium-Tolerant Bacillus Strains Isolated from Agricultural Sites
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55863/ijees.2025.0421Keywords:
Chromium degrading bacteria, Gadchandur, Co-culture, Hexavalent chromium, Bacillus felxus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus stercorisAbstract
This study investigates the potential of chromium-tolerant bacteria isolated from agricultural soil near the Manikgarh cement factory in Gadchandur for the bioremediation of hexavalent chromium (Cr (VI)). Three bacterial strains, Bacillus flexus, B. subtilis, and B. stercoris, were isolated and identified by 16S rRNA sequencing. These strains showed significant chromium tolerance and degradation capabilities. B. flexus showed optimum growth at 200 ppm Cr (VI), achieving 84% degradation, B. subtilis and B. stercoris demonstrated 76 and 24% degradation at 100 ppm and 50 ppm, respectively. Optimal pH and temperature conditions for chromium reduction were identified for all three species. Co-culturing the strains significantly enhanced the degradation efficiency, achieving a 91% reduction in Cr (VI) in 72 hrs, compared to 84% in 120 hrs by B. flexus alone. This synergistic effect highlights the potential of co-culturing for more efficient bioremediation.
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