Bioremediation of chromium contaminated soils by Actinomycetes: Mechanisms iInvolved

Abstract

In natural water and subsurface soils chromium occurs in two major oxidation states: III and VI. Cr(VI) is approximately 1,000-fold more cytotoxic and mutagenic than Cr(III). As the application of Cr is extensive in several industries, chromium-associated pollution is an increasing problem. Development of suitable methods for cleaning up such contaminated soils is an important topic of environmental recovery and protection, particularly regarding methods for remediation of Cr(VI)-contaminated soils. At present there exist physicochemical technologies to remove Cr(VI) from industrial waste, but these methods are costly and require much energy and specific equipment. Therefore the employment of lower-cost biotechnology could be an important alternative.