Biological Cr(VI) reduction in indigenous sludge cultures from Gauteng, South africa.
The Cr(VI) reducing capability of an acclimated indigenous culture cultivated from primary sludge was evaluated in batch and packed-bed bioreactor systems. Performance evaluation was carried out in unmodified cultures, cultures modified by substituting terminal organisms in the consortium by a known Cr(VI)-reducing organism (Escherichia coli ATCC 33456), and pure cultures of Cr(VI)-reducing organisms. A high Cr(VI) reduction rate was observed in modified cultures and in the pure culture of the Cr(VI)-reducing bacteria (Bacillus sp.). Furthermore, the Bacillus sp. pure culture outperformed both the unmodified and modified consortium cultures in reducing Cr(VI). Abiotic Cr(VI) reduction activity was evaluated in heat-killed and azide (N3) inactivated control cultures. No significant Cr(VI) reduction was observed in the controls. This study is part of the continuing research to identify synergistic culture systems for treating toxic compounds from polluted environments.
Molokwanne
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PE
Water Utilisation Division, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa.
Chirwa
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EM
D001407:Bacillus / Q000378:metabolism; D019149:Bioreactors; D002274:Carcinogens, Environmental / Q000737:chemistry*; D002857:Chromium / Q000737:chemistry*; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000378:metabolism; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D012722:Sewage; D013019:South Africa; D014865:Waste Disposal, Fluid / Q000295:instrumentation
D002274:Carcinogens, Environmental; D012722:Sewage; D002857:Chromium; C074702:chromium hexavalent ion