Removal of Hexavalent Chromium from Aqueous Media Using Eco-Friendly and Cost-Effective Biological Methods

Abstract

Industrial operations release a huge number of toxic substances such as toxic metallic ions into the environment, and these toxic heavy metal ions show various types of toxic effects in living organisms. Hexavalent chromium metal ions, one of the most toxic metallic substances, originate from industrial processes such as leather industries, electroplating, and chrome tanning. Hexavalent chromium is a very reactive molecule that causes carcinogenic effects. Different types of biological materials tend to remove or minimize chromium toxicity. Some microorganisms can accumulate metal ions within the cell and reduce hexavalent chromium into trivalent chromium. Application of biological removal of hexavalent chromium contamination is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly process. This chapter focuses on methods for removing biological hexavalent chromium such as biosorption, bioaccumulation, and bioreduction. © 2022 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. All rights reserved.