The Role of Microbes in Chromium Bioremediation of Tannery Effluent

Abstract

Leather-based industries utilize nearly 90% of chromium-containing tanning agents for converting raw skin/hides into leather. Apart from chromium, different metals such as iron, aluminum, zircon, and titanium are also used for various tanning applications. Tannery wastewater is highly complex and contains high amount of inorganic, organic, and dissolved solids including chlorides and sulfates. The chromium present in the effluent can have adverse effects on the environment. Hence, the treatment of effluent before releasing it into the environment becomes an important issue. Bioremediation is a recent technique for treatment and disposal of industrial wastewater. This approach is advantageous as compared to conventional treatment methods which are costly, time-consuming, and generate toxic end products. Bioremediation is the potential, cost-effective, and environmental-friendly technique that uses several microbes in treatment of wastewater, soil, and sediments. Hence, this chapter focuses on the role of microbes in chromium remediation from tannery effluent. This chapter will also focus on the various mechanisms such as biosorption, bioaccumulation, and microbial reduction of chromium by microbial cells.