Isolation and Characterization of Hexavalent Chromium Reducing Bacteria for Application in Microbial Fuel Cells

Wastewater from several businesses that produce paints, steel, tannery products, dyes, and chrome-plated items contains hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)]. The main contributing factor to pollution concentrations in water bodies is the wastewater that tannery businesses dump, which includes organic pollutants and heavy metals, particularly Cr(VI). The harmful consequences of Cr(VI) on humans include eczema, allergies, ulceration, respiratory tract problems, lung cancer, as well as genotoxic and mutagenic effects. Using bacteria to biotransform hexavalent chromium to trivalent chromium [(Cr(III)] is a practical strategy with proven viability in bioremediation. Following their isolation from the tannery industry’s raw effluent, bacterial strains were investigated biochemically and molecularly. Based on this study, it was concluded that the microorganisms resistant to Cr(VI) were Bacillus albus and Bacillus australimaris. In a two-chambered microbial fuel cell reactor, the isolated Cr(VI) resistant bacteria will be employed as electrogenic bacteria with SPEEK (Sulphonated polyether ether ketone) as PEM (proton exchange membrane), which can synergistically aid in the reduction of hexavalent chromium and green energy generation.