CR(VI) phytoremediation by hairy roots of Brassica napus: assessing efficiency, mechanisms involved, and post-removal toxicity

Abstract

Industrial activities such as leather tanning involve the use of highly toxic inorganic pollutants, like Chromium (Cr). This work evaluated Cr(VI) remediation by hairy roots (HR) of Brassica napus, paying close attention to the mechanisms involved and the toxicity of post-removal solutions. Results showed that these roots were capable of tolerating concentrations of up to 10 mg L−1 Cr(VI), while higher concentrations were toxic for HR development. Removal efficiency was assessed through the use of synthetic solutions containing different initial Cr(VI) concentrations (2, 5, or 10 mg L−1). Regardless of these initial concentrations, the highest removal efficiency values were between 80 and 90% after 24 and 48 h of treatment, using a 2.0 g inoculum. The mechanisms involved were Cr accumulation (60%) and to a lesser extent, adsorption to the root biomass (30%). A fraction of Cr(VI) was intracellularly reduced to Cr(III), which suggests reductases may have played a role. Additionally, post-removal toxicity was evaluated through two bioassays (Lactuca sativa L. and AMPHITOX test) after the removal of 10 mg L−1 Cr(VI). The treated solutions showed moderate phytotoxicity for L. sativa L. and no toxicity for R arenarum. The ability of HR to remove 10 mg L−1 Cr(VI) from real tannery effluents collected from a regional industry (Córdoba province, Argentina) was also determined. The high removal efficiency observed (98%) demonstrates this system can be successful in treating complex wastewaters.