Studies on the Bioremediation of Chromium ( VI ) Through Bioleaching by Thiobacillus ferrooxidans

Chromium (VI) is the toxic substances that are released from the electroplating and the tannery industries, it is caused serious environmental problems and is toxic to organisms. These toxic substances are effectively remediated by microorganisms such as Thiobacillus ferrooxidans. Their toxic effect is minimized by these types of microorganisms. These properties can be effectively studied in Stirred Tank Reactor (STR). In STR of about 2 litres capacity 1 litre medium was used along with sludge. The sludge taken was 2%, 4% and 6% of Chromium (VI) respectively. The pH, temperature, air flow rate and few other parameters were kept constant varying only sludge concentration. Each sludge concentration was run for 10 days. The concentration of Chromium (VI) after the 10 day run showed that there was a feasible amount of Chromium (VI) leached. Chromium (VI) was leached higher in 2% sludge than in 4% and 6% sludge’s respectively. © 2011 Universal Research Publications. All rights reserved