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Modern-Day Green Strategies for the Removal of Chromium from Wastewater

Summary

Chromium from industries like leather tanning and metal plating contaminates water and soil, causing serious health problems including cancer and organ damage. Scientists have developed eco-friendly methods using bacteria, fungi, plants, and agricultural waste to remove chromium from polluted water at low cost. These biological treatment methods are more sustainable and affordable than traditional chemical approaches, offering a promising solution for cleaning up contaminated environments.

Background

Chromium is widely used in industrial processes including stainless steel production, electroplating, leather tanning, and textile manufacturing. However, hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] is highly toxic and carcinogenic, contaminating aquatic systems and agricultural land with significant health and environmental impacts.

Objective

This review examines biosorption and bioremediation strategies for chromium removal from wastewater, including rhizoremediation, phytoremediation, mycoremediation, and bacterial remediation. The study aims to provide comprehensive analysis of mechanisms, materials, and commercial viability of these green remediation approaches.

Results

The review demonstrates that biosorption using biological materials achieves removal efficiencies ranging from 41% to 100% for chromium depending on microorganism and conditions. Specific examples include Byssochlamys sp. removing 64.44% Cr(VI) in 96 hours and Bacillus sp. CRB-1 achieving 100% removal in 24 hours.

Conclusion

Biosorption represents a cost-effective, environmentally friendly alternative to traditional chromium removal methods, utilizing readily available biological materials with minimal waste generation. Further research and development are needed to scale these technologies from laboratory to commercial applications for sustainable wastewater treatment.
  • Published in:Journal of Xenobiotics (J Xenobiot),
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: PMID: 39584954, DOI: 10.3390/jox14040089
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