ABSTRACT
Chromium is a comparatively rare element. Nonetheless, it has found its way into the environment as a result of industrial activity. Chromium exists in a variety of oxidation states, of which the hexavalent form, Cr(VI), is the highest. To make the bioremediation method functional, one must first adapt the sulfate-reducing bacteria consortia to grow on an inexpensive carbon source, such as molasses or acetate, in a moderate to high ionic strength medium containing sulfate and mineral salts. Sulfate-reducing bacteria carry out terminal oxidation in anaerobic, sulfate-containing environments. Effective carbon sources for the growth and metabolism of Sulfate-reducing bacteria are lactate, acetate, and, indirectly, molasses. Molasses consists mostly of sucrose and trace elements. Glassware involved in the assay is soaked in sulfuric acid/chromate cleaning solution followed by thorough rinsing with deionized water, then one normal nitric acid, and deionized water again. Blanks are run to assure a low background.
