A Comprehensive Review of the Current Progress of Chromium Removal Methods from Aqueous Solution

Chromium (Cr) exists in aqueous solution as trivalent (Cr³⁺) and hexavalent (Cr⁶⁺) forms. Cr³⁺ is an essential trace element while Cr⁶⁺ is a dangerous and carcinogenic element, which is of great concern globally due to its extensive applications in various industrial processes such as textiles, manufacturing of inks, dyes, paints, and pigments, electroplating, stainless steel, leather, tanning, and wood preservation, among others. Cr³⁺ in wastewater can be transformed into Cr⁶⁺ when it enters the environment. Therefore, research on Cr remediation from water has attracted much attention recently. A number of methods such as adsorption, electrochemical treatment, physico-chemical methods, biological removal, and membrane filtration have been devised for efficient Cr removal from water. This review comprehensively demonstrated the Cr removal technologies in the literature to date. The advantages and disadvantages of Cr removal methods were also described. Future research directions are suggested and provide the application of adsorbents for Cr removal from waters.

Diversity and Heavy Metal Tolerance of Fungi Associated with Different Coal Overburden Strata of Tikak Colliery, Assam

Coal mine overburdens are generally highly acidic and contaminated with toxic heavy metals. Here, we studied the culturable fungal diversity associated with different coal overburden strata (OBS) of Assam, India, and assessed their heavy metal tolerance ability against five different heavy metals viz., As³⁺, Cd²⁺, Cr⁶⁺, Cu²⁺, and Ni²⁺. Among 15 distinct coal OBS considered in this study which spans a depth of ~ 35 m from the ground surface, the isolation of fungi was successful only from 11 OBS samples and the colony-forming unit (CFU) counts were highly variable among the samples. A total of 66 fungal pure cultures were isolated which belong to 18 genera (17 known and 1 unknown) under 15 families and two divisions i.e., Ascomycota (89.4%) and Basidiomycota (10.6%). Acidiella bohemica was found relatively the most abundant species followed by Rhodotorula toruloides. A good number of fungal isolates was found tolerant to the test heavy metals at concentrations ≥ 1 mM. Findings of some multi-metallotolerant fungal isolates along with a tolerance up to 5 mM concentration of As³⁺, and up to 10 mM each of Cu²⁺, Cr⁶⁺, Ni²⁺ and Cd²⁺ were noteworthy in the present study that could be useful in the management of heavy metal pollution or stress. Cultivable fungal diversity of coal mine overburden strata of Tikak colliery, Margherita, Assam, India. It shows a photograph of the coal mining site as the background, front view of the fungal colonies in the upper section, and a graphical representation of heavy metal tolerance of the isolates at different concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, and Ni in the lower section.

The degradation of an aromatic organic compound by Aspergillus niger var tubingensis Ed8 produces metabolites that reduce Cr (VI)

Chromium Cr(VI) is a highly toxic environmental contaminant for any organism, its presence in the environment is mainly due to anthropogenic activities. The use of biotechnology has been implemented for the treatment of effluents contaminated with Cr(VI).Our working group has isolated several fungi and bacteria capable of removing Cr(VI) from the culture medium. Aspergillus niger var tubingensis Ed8 is a strain that can produce metabolites which reduce Cr (VI) to Cr (III). The objective of this work was to determine the effect of sodium salicylate on the growth of this strain and on the Cr(VI) reduction system, as well as to identify the metabolites that are produced from sodium salicylate. Our results show that the Culture medium containing sodium salicylate (20 mM) inhibits strain growth compared to the control condition (0 mM). However, it increases the specific reduction capacity of Cr (VI) red/mg Biomass in order of magnitude. Analysis of the culture medium corresponding to 48 h of incubation shows the presence of catechol and salicylate diminution. In addition, as a product of the enzymatic activity of a cell-free cellular extract, after 24 h of incubation, the consumption of salicylate is detected, as well as the presence of peaks corresponding to resorcinol and catechol. Our results show that it is possible to increase the Cr(VI) reducing capacity of the Ed8 strain, depending on the composition of the culture medium.

Sequencing and Comparative Genomic Analysis of a Highly Metal-Tolerant Penicillium janthinellum P1 Provide Insights Into Its Metal Tolerance

Heavy metal pollution is a global knotty problem and fungi hold promising potential for the remediation of wastewater containing heavy metals. Here, a new highly chromium-tolerance species, Penicillium janthinellum P1, is investigated. The genome of P1 was sequenced and assembled into 30 Mb genome size containing 10,955 predicted protein-coding genes with a GC content of 46.16% through an integrated method of Illumina short-read sequencing and single-molecule real-time Pacific Biosciences sequencing platforms. Through a phylogenetic analysis with model species of fungi, the evolutionary divergence time of Penicillium janthinellum P1 and Penicillium oxalicum 114-2 was estimated to be 74 MYA. 33 secondary metabolism gene clusters were identified via antiSMASH software, mainly including non-ribosomal peptide synthase genes and T1 polyketide synthase genes. 525 genes were annotated to encode enzymes that act on carbohydrates, involving 101 glucose-degrading enzymes and 24 polysaccharide synthase. By whole-genome sequence analysis, large numbers of metal resistance genes were found in strain P1. Especially ABC transporter and Superoxide dismutase ensure that the P1 fungus can survive in a chromium-polluted environment. ChrA and ChrR were also identified as key genes for chromium resistance. Analysis of their genetic loci revealed that the specific coding-gene arrangement may account for the fungus’s chromium resistance. Genetic information and comparative analysis of Penicillium janthinellum are valuable for further understanding the mechanism of high resistance to heavy metal chromium, and gene loci analysis provides a new perspective for identifying chromium-resistant strains.

Hexavalent chromium reduction ability and bioremediation potential of Aspergillus flavus CR500 isolated from electroplating wastewater

Hexavalent chromium reduction by microbes can mitigate the chromium toxicity to the environment. In the present study Cr_[VI] tolerant fungal isolate (CR500) was isolated from electroplating wastewater, was able to tolerate 800 mg/L of Cr_[VI. Based on the ITS region sequencing, the isolate was identified as Aspergillus flavus CR500, showed multifarious biochemical (reactive oxygen species, antioxidants response and non-protein thiol) and morphological (protrusion less, constriction and swelling/outwards growth in mycelia) response under Cr_[VI] stress. Batch experiment was conducted at different Cr_[VI] concentration (0-200 mg/L) to optimize the Cr_[VI] reduction and removal ability of isolate CR500; results showed 89.1% reduction of Cr_[VI] to Cr_[III] within 24 h and 4.9 ± 0.12 mg of Cr per gram of dried biomass accumulation within 144 h at the concentration of 50 mg/L of Cr_[VI]. However, a maximum of 79.4% removal of Cr was recorded at 5 mg/L within 144 h. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that chromium removal also happened via adsorption/precipitation on the mycelia surface. Fungus treated and without treated 100 mg/L of Cr_[VI] solution was subjected to phytotoxicity test using Vigna radiata seeds and result revealed that A. flavus CR500 successfully detoxified the Cr_[VI] via reduction and removal mechanisms. Isolate CR500 also exhibited efficient bioreduction potential at different temperature (20-40 °C), pH (5.0-9.0), heavy metals (As, Cd, Cu, Mn, Ni and Pb), metabolic inhibitors (phenol and EDTA) and in sterilized tannery effluent that make it a potential candidate for Cr_[VI] bioremediation.

Chromium tolerance and accumulation in Aspergillus flavus isolated from tannery effluent

Cr(VI) tolerance in Aspergillus flavus, strain SFL, isolated from tannery effluent was measured and compared with a reference strain of A. flavus, A1120. On solid medium, SFL had a high level of Cr(VI) tolerance (1,600 mg/L), which was 16 times that of A1120 and greater than most previously analyzed fungal strains. When in 100 mg/L of Cr(VI), SFL completely depleted Cr(VI) within 72 h while A1120 depleted 85% of Cr(VI). SFL was more effective in reducing extracellular Cr(VI) than A1120. While A1120 showed greater biosorption of Cr(VI) than SFL, intracellular accumulation was approximately 50% greater in SFL and was more energy-dependent than A1120. Cr(VI) modified the external surface of the hyphae. Cr speciation detected the presence of only Cr(III), corresponding to Cr(OH)₃ , which precipitated on the hyphal surface. Cr(VI) bound to the functional groups carboxyl, amine, and hydroxyl in both SFL and A1120. Transmission electron microscopy energy-dispersive X-ray detected Cr on the fungal wall and within membrane-bound organelles of the cytoplasm. In conclusion, the greater tolerance of SFL to Cr(VI) relative to A1120 is due to more effective energy-dependant uptake of Cr(VI) into the cell and increased capacity of SFL to store Cr in intracellular vacuoles compared with A1120.

Both cell envelope and cytoplasm were the locations for chromium(VI) reduction by Bacillus sp. M6

Biotreatment is an effective way in remediation of chromium(VI) (Cr(VI)) contamination, but its mechanism and reaction sites are still not clear. Herein, Bacillus sp. M6 was used as a model bacterium in this study to investigate the removal mechanism of Cr(VI) in solution. The results showed that the removal of Cr(VI) was attributed to direct reduction by Bacillus sp. M6, and the reduction locations occurred both on the cell envelope and in the cytoplasm. Meanwhile, bioanalysis of Bacillus sp. M6 by SEM-EDS and TEM-EDS, indicated that Cr(III)-containing precipitates distributed both on the surface and in the cytoplasm of Bacillus sp. In addition, XPS analysis demonstrated that the chromium could be bound to cells by coordination with functional groups (C-based and O-based) on the bacterial surface. This work offers a new and deep insight into the mechanism of Cr(VI) reduction by Bacillus sp.

Hydrogen ions and organic acids secreted by ectomycorrhizal fungi, Pisolithus sp1, are involved in the efficient removal of hexavalent chromium from waste water

Pisolithus sp1 is an ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi that was chosen during a screening test of six strains of ECM fungi due to its ability to tolerate and remove hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)). The physiological responses of Pisolithus sp1 to Cr(VI) exposure, the relationship between Pisolithus sp1 and exogenously added organic acids (EAOAs) or Na₃VO₄ (H⁺-ATPase inhibitor) and the ability of Pisolithus sp1 to reduce Cr(VI) in liquid culture were also investigated. Hydrogen ions (H⁺), which were produced directly by Pisolithus sp1, reduced the pH of the medium and played an important role in Cr(VI) reduction; however, Na₃VO₄ significantly inhibited this process and resulted in a decrease in the Cr(VI) reduction rates. Organic acids were secreted after the reduction in Cr(VI) by Pisolithus sp1, and EAOAs did not significantly affect Cr(VI) reduction; those results revealed the secondary role of organic acids in Cr(VI) reduction. The Cr(VI) removal rate of Pisolithus sp1 approached 99% after Cr(VI) treatment for 12 days. Overall, 75% of the Cr(VI) removal was due to extracellular reduction and 24% was due to adsorption. The results of this study provide a strong basis for using Cr(VI)-tolerant and Cr(VI)-reducing fungi, as well as ectomycorrhiza, in the remediation of Cr(VI)-contaminated sites.

Detoxification of hexavalent chromate by growing Paecilomyces lilacinus XLA

In the study, the capability of Paecilomyces lilacinus XLA (CCTCC: M2012135) to reduce Cr⁶⁺ and its main antagonistic mechanisms to Cr⁶⁺ were experimentally evaluated. Activated growing fungus XLA efficiently reduced over 90% Cr⁶⁺ in the media with Cr⁶⁺ concentration below 100 mg L^-1 at pH 6 after 14 days. After 1-day exposure to 100 mg L^-1 Cr⁶⁺, nearly 50% of Cr⁶⁺ was reduced. Moreover, SO₄^2- stimulated Cr⁶⁺ reduction, whereas other interferential ions inhibited Cr⁶⁺ reduction. The interaction mechanisms between XLA and Cr⁶⁺ mainly involve biotransformation, biosorption, and bioaccumulation, as detected by electron microscopy and chemical methods. The lower concentrations of Cr⁶⁺ (5 and 50 mg L^-1) stimulated the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH) level in XLA, respectively, but the higher concentration of Cr⁶⁺ (150 mg L^-1) decreased the enzymatic activities and GSH concentration. The results implied that SOD, CAT and GSH were defensive guards to the oxidant stress produced by Cr⁶⁺. All these extracellular/intracellular defense systems endowed XLA with the ability to resist and detoxify Cr⁶⁺ by transforming its valent species. The fungus XLA could efficiently reduce Cr⁶⁺ under different environmental conditions (pH, interferential ions, and concentration). Moreover, XLA could endure the high concentration of Cr⁶⁺ probably due to its high biotransformation capability of Cr⁶⁺ and intracellular antioxidant systems for the detoxification of ROS generated by external Cr⁶⁺. All these results suggested that the fungus XLA can be applied to remediation of Cr⁶⁺-contaminated environments.

The Geomicrobiology of Chromium (VI) Pollution: Microbial Diversity and its Bioremediation Potential

The role and significance of microorganisms in environmental recycling activities marks geomicrobiology one of the essential branches within the environmental biotechnology field. Naturally occurring microbes also play geo-active roles in rocks, leading to biomineralization or biomobilization of minerals and metals. Heavy metals, such as chromium (Cr), are essential micronutrients at very low concentrations, but are very toxic at higher concentrations. Generally, heavy metals are leached to the environment through natural processes or anthropogenic activities such as industrial processes, leading to pollution with serious consequences. The presence of potentially toxic heavy metals, including Cr, in soils does not necessarily result in toxicity because not all forms of metals are toxic. Microbial interaction with Cr by different mechanisms leads to its oxidation or reduction, where its toxicity could be increased or decreased. Chromite contains both Cr(III) and Fe(II) and microbial utilization of Fe(II)- Fe(III) conversion or Cr (III) - Cr (VI) could lead to the break-down of this mineral. Therefore, the extraction of chromium from its mineral as Cr (III) form increases the possibility of its oxidation and conversion to the more toxic form (Cr (VI)), either biologically or geochemically. Cr (VI) is quite toxic to plants, animals and microbes, thus its levels in the environment need to be studied and controlled properly. Several bacterial and fungal isolates showed high tolerance and resistance to toxic Cr species and they also demonstrated transformation to less toxic form Cr (III), and precipitation. The current review highlights toxicity issues associated with Cr species and environmental friendly bioremediation mediated by microorganisms.

Chromium immobilization by extra- and intraradical fungal structures of arbuscular mycorrhizal symbioses

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi can enhance plant Cr tolerance through immobilizing Cr in mycorrhizal roots. However, the detailed processes and mechanisms are unclear. The present study focused on cellular distribution and speciation of Cr in both extraradical mycelium (ERM) and mycorrhizal roots exposed to Cr(VI) by using field emission scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (FE-SEM-EDS), scanning transmission soft X-ray microscopy (STXM) and X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy techniques. We found that amounts of particles (possibly extracellular polymeric substances, EPS) were produced on the AM fungal surface upon Cr(VI) stress, which contributed greatly to Cr(VI) reduction and immobilization. With EDS of the surface of AM fungi exposed to various Cr(VI) levels, a positive correlation between Cr and P was revealed, suggesting that phosphate groups might act as counter ions of Cr(III), which was also confirmed by the XAFS analysis. Besides, STXM and XAFS analyses showed that Cr(VI) was reduced to Cr(III) in AM fungal structures (arbuscules, intraradical mycelium, etc.) and cell walls in mycorrhizal roots, and complexed possibly with carboxyl groups or histidine analogues. The present work provided evidence of Cr immobilization on fungal surface and in fungal structures in mycorrhizal roots at a cellular level, and thus unraveled the underlying mechanisms by which AM symbiosis immobilize Cr.

Novel fungus-Fe3O4 bio-nanocomposites as high performance adsorbents for the removal of radionuclides

The bio-nanocomposites of fungus-Fe3O4 were successfully synthesized using a low-cost self-assembly technique. SEM images showed uniform decoration of nano-Fe3O4 particles on fungus surface. The FTIR analysis indicated that nano-Fe3O4 was combined to the fungus surface by chemical bonds. The sorption ability of fungus-Fe3O4 toward Sr(II), Th(IV) and U(VI) was evaluated by batch techniques. Radionuclide sorption on fungus-Fe3O4 was independent of ionic strength, indicating that inner-sphere surface complexion dominated their sorption. XPS analysis indicated that the inner-sphere radionuclide complexes were formed by mainly bonding with oxygen-containing functional groups (i.e., alcohol, acetal and carboxyl) of fungus-Fe3O4. The maximum sorption capacities of fungus-Fe3O4 calculated from Langmuir isotherm model were 100.9, 223.9 and 280.8 mg/g for Sr(II) and U(VI) at pH 5.0, and Th(IV) at pH 3.0, respectively, at 303 K. Fungus-Fe3O4 also exhibited excellent regeneration performance for the preconcentration of radionuclides. The calculated thermodynamic parameters showed that the sorption of radionuclides on fungus-Fe3O4 was a spontaneous and endothermic process. The findings herein highlight the novel synthesis method of fungus-Fe3O4 and its high sorption ability for radionuclides.

Mechanisms of hexavalent chromium resistance and removal by microorganisms

Chromium has been and is extensively used worldwide in multiple industrial processes and is routinely discharged to the environment from such processes. Therefore, this heavy metal is a potential threat to the environment and to public health, primarily because it is non-biodegradable and environmentally persistent. Chromium exists in several oxidation states, the most stable of which are trivalent Cr(Ill) and hexavalent Cr(VI) species. Each species possesses its own individual chemical characteristics and produces its own biological effects. For example, Cr (Ill) is an essential oligoelement for humans, whereas Cr(VI) is carcinogenic and mutagenic. Several chemical methods are used to remove Cr(VI) from contaminated sites. Each of these methods has advantages and disadvantages. Currently, bioremediation is often the preferred method to deal with Cr contaminated sites, because it is eco-friendly, cost-effective and is a "natural" technology. Many yeast, bacterial and fungal species have been assessed for their suitability to reduce or remove Cr(VI) contamination. The mechanisms by which these microorganisms resist and reduce Cr(VI) are variable and are species dependent. There are several Cr-resistance mechanisms that are displayed by microorganisms. These include active efflux of Cr compounds, metabolic reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr (ill), and either intercellular or extracellular prec1p1tation. Microbial Cr (VI) removal typically involves three stages: binding of chromium to the cell surface, translocation of chromium into the cell, and reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr (ill). Cr(VI) reduction by microorganisms may proceed on the cell surface, outside the cell, or intracellularly, either directly via chromate reductase enzymes, or indirectly via metabolite reduction of Cr(VI). The uptake of chromium ions is a biphasic process. The primary step is known as biosorption, a metabolic energyindependent process. Thereafter, bioaccumulation occurs, but is much slower, and is dependent on cell metabolic activity. Choosing an appropriate bioremediation strategy for Cr is extremely important and must involve investigating and understanding the key mechanisms that are involved in microbial resistance to and removal of Cr(VI).

Fungal biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles: mechanism and scale up

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are a widespread research tool because of their oxidation resistance, biocompatibility and stability. Chemical methods for AuNP synthesis often produce toxic residues that raise environmental concern. On the other hand, the biological synthesis of AuNPs in viable microorganisms and their cell-free extracts is an environmentally friendly and low-cost process. In general, fungi tolerate higher metal concentrations than bacteria and secrete abundant extracellular redox proteins to reduce soluble metal ions to their insoluble form and eventually to nanocrystals. Fungi harbour untapped biological diversity and may provide novel metal reductases for metal detoxification and bioreduction. A thorough understanding of the biosynthetic mechanism of AuNPs in fungi is needed to reduce the time of biosynthesis and to scale up the AuNP production process. In this review, we describe the known mechanisms for AuNP biosynthesis in viable fungi and fungal protein extracts and discuss the most suitable bioreactors for industrial AuNP biosynthesis.

Fungal biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles: mechanism and scale up

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are a widespread research tool because of their oxidation resistance, biocompatibility and stability. Chemical methods for AuNP synthesis often produce toxic residues that raise environmental concern. On the other hand, the biological synthesis of AuNPs in viable microorganisms and their cell-free extracts is an environmentally friendly and low-cost process. In general, fungi tolerate higher metal concentrations than bacteria and secrete abundant extracellular redox proteins to reduce soluble metal ions to their insoluble form and eventually to nanocrystals. Fungi harbour untapped biological diversity and may provide novel metal reductases for metal detoxification and bioreduction. A thorough understanding of the biosynthetic mechanism of AuNPs in fungi is needed to reduce the time of biosynthesis and to scale up the AuNP production process. In this review, we describe the known mechanisms for AuNP biosynthesis in viable fungi and fungal protein extracts and discuss the most suitable bioreactors for industrial AuNP biosynthesis.

Mechanisms of interaction of chromium with Aspergillus niger var tubingensis strain Ed8

Experiments were conducted to determine the mechanisms of interaction with chromium of Aspergillus niger var tubingensis strain Ed8 in batch culture and in bioreactor experiments. Results obtained in this work showed that the interaction of A. niger var tubingensis Ed8 with Cr(VI) is based mainly in a reduction process and also, secondly, in a sorption process. Using electron microscopy techniques the ultrathin sections obtained from the mycelium biomass produced by the fungus in batch cultures showed the ability to incorporate Cr intracellulary, into low electron-dense inclusions, but not extracellularly. On the other hand, cultures without Cr(VI) of A. niger var tubingensis Ed8, grown in a bubble column bioreactor, reduced Cr(VI) immediately after repeated addition of this oxyanion; after six loads, 460 mg Cr(VI) was reduced to Cr(III) in 60 h, corresponding to a reduction rate of 2.62 mg Cr(VI)g(-1) dry biomass h(-1).

Bioreduction of Hexavalent Chromium by Bacillus cereus Isolated from Chromite Mine Overburden Soil

The presence of soluble Cr(VI) particularly in the overburden soil samples of the chromite mines area is about 300-500mg Cr(VI)/kg. The level of Cr(VI) in final effluents needs to be reduced to the permissible limit <0.05mg/L (USEPA) using appropriate technology before it is discharged into the soil. Out of 12 bacterial isolates from the mine samples, CSB-9 was proven effective in reducing hexavalent chromium to its trivalent form with its inherent ability to survive proficiently in 200ppm Cr(VI). The isolate, confirmed to beBacillus cereus, was characterised as gram-positive and capsule forming with the optimum growth at pH 7.0 and 35°C. The process of bioreduction of Cr(VI) usingB. cereuswas optimized with various parameters, viz., pH, initial concentration, dosage of adsorbent, temperature. The bacterium gave 90% reduction from 100ppm Cr(VI) aqueous feed in 120h at pH 7.0, 35°C using 1% (v/v) cells/mL.

A review of chemical, electrochemical and biological methods for aqueous Cr(VI) reduction

Hexavalent chromium is of particular environmental concern due to its toxicity and mobility and is challenging to remove from industrial wastewater. It is a strong oxidizing agent that is carcinogenic and mutagenic and diffuses quickly through soil and aquatic environments. It does not form insoluble compounds in aqueous solutions, so separation by precipitation is not feasible. While Cr(VI) oxyanions are very mobile and toxic in the environment, Cr(III) cations are not. Like many metal cations, Cr(III) forms insoluble precipitates. Thus, reducing Cr(VI) to Cr(III) simplifies its removal from effluent and also reduces its toxicity and mobility. In this review, we describe the environmental implications of Cr(VI) presence in aqueous solutions, the chemical species that could be present and then we describe the technologies available to efficiently reduce hexavalent chromium.

Hexavalent Chromium Removal by a Paecilomyces sp. Fungal Strain Isolated from Environment

A resistant and capable fungal strain in removing hexavalent chromium was isolated from an environment near of Chemical Science Faculty, located in the city of San Luis Potosí, Mexico. The strain was identified as Paecilomyces sp., by macro- and microscopic characteristics. Strain resistance of the strain to high Cr (VI) concentrations and its ability to reduce chromium were studied. When it was incubated in minimal medium with glucose, another inexpensive commercial carbon source like unrefined and brown sugar or glycerol, in the presence of 50 mg/L of Cr (VI), the strain caused complete disappearance of Cr (VI), with the concomitant production of Cr (III) in the growth medium after 7 days of incubation, at 28°C, pH 4.0, 100 rpm, and an inoculum of 38 mg of dry weight. Decrease of Cr (VI) levels from industrial wastes was also induced by Paecilomyces biomass. These results indicate that reducing capacity of chromate resistant filamentous fungus Cr (VI) could be useful for the removal of Cr (VI) pollution.

Interference of chromium with biological systems in yeasts and fungi: a review

This paper deals with the interactions of chromium (Cr) with biological systems, focusing in particular on yeasts and fungi. These interactions are analysed with primarily regard to biochemical functions, but higher levels of organization are also considered. Thus, the morphological and cytological characteristics of selected microorganisms in response to exposure to chromium ions are evaluated. The different oxidation states of chromium and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated in redox reactions with chromium ions are presented and characterized. The interactions of the most exposed subcellular structures, including the cell wall, plasma membrane and nuclei, have been deeply investigated in recent years, for two major reasons. The first is the toxicity of chromium ions and their strong impact on the metabolism of many species, ranging from microbes to humans. The second is the still disputed usefulness of chromium ions, and in particular trivalent chromium, in the glucose and fat metabolisms. Chromium pollution is still an important issue in many regions of the world, and various solutions have been proposed for the bioremediation of soil and water with selected microbial species. Yeasts and especially moulds have been most widely investigated from this aspect, and the biosorption and bioaccumulation of chromium for bioremediation purposes have been demonstrated. Accordingly, the mechanisms of chromium tolerance or resistance of selected microbes are of particular importance in both bioremediation and waste water treatment technologies. The mechanisms of chromium toxicity and detoxification have been studied extensively in yeasts and fungi, and some promising results have emerged in this area.