Silver Nanoparticles as a New Solid-Phase Adsorbent and Its Application to Preconcentration and Determination of Lead from Biological Samples

A new, simple, and fast method for preconcentration and determination of trace amount of lead from biological samples was developed by modified silver nanoparticle-based solid-phase extraction technique and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. In this study, morin was used as a complexing agent. Some factors influencing the recovery of lead including pH, sample flow rate, type, flow rate, and least amount of the eluent for elution of the lead from silver nanoparticles were studied and optimized. Under the optimum conditions, the detection limit of this method was 68 ng L⁻¹, and the relative standard deviation was 4.1% (n = 10, c = 20 μg L⁻¹). The developed procedure was validated by the analysis of certified reference material and applied to the recovery and determination of lead in biological samples.     

Continuous bio-catalytic conversion of sugar mixture to acetone–butanol–ethanol by immobilized <Emphasis Type="Italic">Clostridium acetobutylicum</Emphasis> DSM 792

Continuous production of acetone, n-butanol, and ethanol (ABE) was carried out using immobilized cells of Clostridium acetobutylicum DSM 792 using glucose and sugar mixture as a substrate. Among various lignocellulosic materials screened as a support matrix, coconut fibers and wood pulp fibers were found to be promising in batch experiments. With a motive of promoting wood-based bio-refinery concept, wood pulp was used as a cell holding material. Glucose and sugar mixture (glucose, mannose, galactose, arabinose, and xylose) comparable to lignocellulose hydrolysate was used as a substrate for continuous production of ABE. We report the best solvent productivity among wild-type strains using column reactor. The maximum total solvent concentration of 14.32 g L⁻¹ was obtained at a dilution rate of 0.22 h⁻¹ with glucose as a substrate compared to 12.64 g L⁻¹ at 0.5 h⁻¹ dilution rate with sugar mixture. The maximum solvent productivity (13.66 g L⁻¹ h⁻¹) was obtained at a dilution rate of 1.9 h⁻¹ with glucose as a substrate whereas solvent productivity (12.14 g L⁻¹ h⁻¹) was obtained at a dilution rate of 1.5 h⁻¹ with sugar mixture. The immobilized column reactor with wood pulp can become an efficient technology to be integrated with existing pulp mills to convert them into wood-based bio-refineries.     

The distribution of picoplankton and nanoplankton in Kongsfjorden,Svalbard during late summer 2006

Abundance and biomass of pico- (<2 μm) and nanoplankton (2–20 μm) were investigated in relation to hydrography in Kongsfjorden, Svalbard (79°N, 12°E) during late summer 2006. Autotrophic and heterotrophic picoplankton abundance ranged from 0.1 × 10⁶ to 35.2 × 10⁶ cells L⁻¹ and from 0.4 × 10⁶ to 20.3 × 10⁶ cells L⁻¹, respectively. The highest number of bacteria in the entire water column was recorded at station 2 at 10 m (22.3 × 10⁸ cells L⁻¹); the lowest concentration was observed at station 1 (6.0 × 10⁸ cells L⁻¹). The abundance of autotrophic and heterotrophic nanoplankton varied from 0.4 × 10⁵ cells L⁻¹ to 46 × 10⁵ cells L⁻¹ and from 0.3 × 10⁶ to 9.1 × 10⁶ cells L⁻¹, respectively. Our results demonstrated that heterotrophic nanoflagellates and bacteria in Kongsfjorden microbial community were relatively important. The structure of plankton communities integrated with environmental variables could act as indicators of the variability of the inflow of Atlantic Water into Kongsfjorden.     

Response of Chara globularis and Hydrodictyon reticulatum to lead pollution: their survival, bioaccumulation, and defense

The responses of the pioneer submerged macroalga (Chara globularis) and the rapidly spreading floating macroalga (Hydrodictyon reticulatum) to high levels of lead (40, 80, and 160 mg L⁻¹) at pH 7.14 were studied. Growth rate, Pb bioaccumulation, and physiological response of plants were measured after 5 and 15 days exposure. Both macroalgae efficiently postponed the deposition process of Pb from water column to soil. The Pb bioaccumulation in C. globularis was concentration- and time-dependent increase during the experiment and the maximum bioaccumulation activity was about 3,650 mg Pb kg⁻¹ DW in 160 mg L⁻¹ Pb at pH 7.14 after 15 days, whereas H. reticulatum showed saturable bioaccumulation in 5 days and the maximum was approximately 4,000 mg Pb kg⁻¹ DW; in addition, H. reticulatum exhibited higher tolerance to Pb pollution than C. globularis. The results also showed that the antioxidant defense systems of both tested macroalgae were overwhelmed under high Pb levels with superoxide radical and malondiadehyde levels increasing significantly. The antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and guaiacol peroxidase activities were inhibited severely increasing Pb levels and exposure time. These results indicate that the pioneer species C. globularis would have difficulty growing in a habitat polluted by Pb >40 mg L⁻¹and the rapidly spreading H. reticulatum may not grow in an environment polluted by >80 mg L⁻¹ Pb. Because Pb levels in most water bodies are lower than 40 mg L⁻¹, both C. globularis and H. reticulatum can be considered for phytoremediation of Pb pollution.     

Harvesting <Emphasis Type="Italic">Chlorella minutissima</Emphasis> using cell coagulants

Twelve salts were tested for their ability to coagulate microalgae cells in cultures of Chlorella minutissima. The final aim was to develop an easy and efficient approach for harvesting microalgae biomass in dense cultures. Aluminum, ferric, and zinc salts coagulated C. minutissima cultures, while optimum concentration was 0.75 and 0.5 g L⁻¹ for sulfate and chloride salts, respectively. Aluminum salts were most efficient, but caused some cell lysis, which may render this approach inappropriate in some cases. Ferric and zinc salts were ranked second and third, respectively, according to their culture cell-coagulation efficiency. Ferric salts caused a change in the color of the cells, mainly at concentrations higher than 1 g L⁻¹. Zinc salts were less harmful for the microalgal cells, but an additional problem was observed with cell aggregates adhering to the walls of the glass test tubes. Selection of the appropriate coagulant is related to the purpose of the coagulation process.     

Production of high-density Chlorella culture grown in fermenters

The freshwater microalga Chlorella vulgaris was grown heterotrophically in fed-batch 50–600-L fermenters at 36°C, on aerated and mixed nutrient solution with urea as a nitrogen and glucose as a carbon and energy source. Cell density increased from the initial value 6.25 to 117.18 g DW L⁻¹ in 32 h in the fermenter 50 L at a mean growth rate 3.52 g DW L⁻¹ h⁻¹. The DW increase in the fermenter 200 L was from 7.25 to 94.82 g DW L⁻¹ in 26.5 h at a mean growth rate 3.37 g DW L⁻¹ h⁻¹. Mean specific growth rate μ was about 0.1 h⁻¹ in the both fermenters, if nutrients and oxygen were adequately supplied. The DW increase in the fermenter 600 L was from 0.8 to 81.6 g DW L⁻¹ in 66.5 h at a mean growth rate 1.22 g DW L⁻¹ h⁻¹ and μ = 0.07 h⁻¹. A limitation of the cell growth rate in 600 L fermenter caused by a low dissolved oxygen concentration above cell densities higher than 10 g DW L⁻¹) occurred. Specific growth rate decreased approximately linearly with increasing glucose concentration (25–80 g glucose L⁻¹) at the beginning of cultivation and decreased with the time of cultivation. The cell yield was 0.55–0.69 g DW (g glucose)⁻¹. The content of proteins, β-carotene, and chlorophylls in the cells steadily increased and starch content decreased, by keeping aerated and mixed culture another 12 h in fermenter after the cell growth was stopped due to glucose deficiency.     

Modeling growth and photosynthetic response in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Arthrospira platensis</Emphasis> as function of light intensity and glucose concentration using factorial design

Combined effect of light intensity and glucose concentration on Arthrospira platensis growth and photosynthetic response was evaluated using a 3² factorial design. This design was carried out with light levels of 50, 100, and 150 μmol photons m⁻² s⁻¹ and glucose concentrations of 0.5, 1.5, and 2.5 g L⁻¹. Results from the response surface methodology were that the highest level of light intensity and glucose concentration improved biomass (1.33 g L⁻¹), maximum specific growth rate (0.49 day⁻¹), and net photosynthetic rate (139.89 μmol O₂ mg Chl⁻¹ h⁻¹). Furthermore, the interaction of both factors showed that at low light, glucose had a low effect on maximum biomass and maximal net photosynthetic rate. However, at the highest light levels, the effect of glucose was more sensitive and the increase of glucose concentration increased the levels of all responses. The rates of the instantaneous relative growth, net photosynthesis, and dark respiration of growth cultures showed two different phases in mixotrophic condition. The first was distinguished by the preponderance of the photoautotrophic mode; the second was based mainly on photoheterotrophy.     

Response of cyanobacteria to arsenic toxicity

Arsenic content of cyanobacterial biomass, soil and water samples from arsenic-contaminated area of eastern India were estimated. It was found that arsenic content in cyanobacterial biomass (276.9 μg g⁻¹) was more than soil (19.01 μg g⁻¹) or water sample (244.13 μg L⁻¹). Shallow tube well water showed more arsenic (244.13 μg L⁻¹) than deep tube well water (146.13 μg L⁻¹). Arsenic resistant genera recorded from the contaminated area were Oscillatoria princeps, Oscillatoria limosa, Anabaena sp. and Phormidium laminosum. Among these, P. laminosum was isolated and exposed to different concentration of Arsenic in vitro (0.1–100 ppm) to study the toxicity level of arsenic. Modulation in stress enzymes and stress-related compounds were studied in relation to lipid peroxidase, catalase, super oxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), reduced glutathione and carotenoids in arsenic exposed biomass to understand the resistance mechanism of the genus both in laboratory condition as well as in natural condition. Arsenic content of cyanobacterial biomass from contaminated area was more (276.9 μg g⁻¹) than laboratory exposed sample (37.17 μg g⁻¹), indicating bioconcentration of arsenic in long-term-exposed natural biomass. Overall, more activity of catalase was recorded in cyanobacterial biomass of natural condition whereas SOD and APX were at higher level in laboratory culture.     

Encapsulation of cauliflower (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Brassica oleracea</Emphasis> var <Emphasis Type="Italic">botrytis</Emphasis>) microshoots as artificial seeds and their conversion and growth in commercial substrates

An effective protocol for the mass production of cauliflower microshoots was refined using the meristematic layer of cauliflower curd. After the meristematic layer was surface sterilized and shaved off, a commercial blender was used for homogenization and several blending treatments were tested in the range 15–120 s and 30 s was found to be optimal in terms of the amount explants produced and their subsequent growth ability. Explants were cultivated in S23 liquid medium (4.4 g L⁻¹ MS (Murashige and Skoog) and 3% v/w sucrose) supplemented with several combinations of plant growth regulators (PGRs) including 1 and 2 mg L⁻¹ of Kinetin in combination with three types of auxins (indole butyric acid (IBA), Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA)), each at 1 and 2 mg L⁻¹ concentration. The use of 2 mg L⁻¹ Kinetin and 1 mg L⁻¹ IBA gave the best results in terms of its effects on explant induction. Microshoots of different sizes were encapsulated in a sodium alginate matrix and the optimal stage suitable for the production of artificial seeds was assessed in terms of both subsequent conversion and plantlet viability. The feasibility of cultivating cauliflower artificial seeds in commercial substrates (compost, vermiculite, perlite and sand) irrigated with different solution mixtures including sterilized distilled water (SDW), PGRs-free S23 medium and S23 medium supplemented with Kinetin (1 and 2 mg L⁻¹) and IBA or NAA at (1 and 2 mg L⁻¹) was investigated. The use of 2 mg L⁻¹ Kinetin and 2 mg L⁻¹ NAA applied with S23 gave the optimal response with both perlite and compost. This study showed high growth capacity of cauliflower artificial seeds in commercial substrates which is considered a promising step for their direct use in vivo.     

Optimization of culture conditions for tissue culture production of young plantlets of carrageenophyte <Emphasis Type="Italic">Kappaphycus</Emphasis>

To improve the production of Kappaphycus plantlets in tissue culture, optimum media concentrations of an Ascophyllum nodosum extract (Acadian Marine Plant Extract Powder, AMPEP), plant growth regulators (PGR), pH–temperature combinations, and explant density were determined. Kappaphycus alvarezii var. tambalang purple (PUR), kapilaran brown (KAP), vanguard brown (VAN), adik-adik (AA), tungawan green (TGR), and K. striatum var. sacol green (GS) were used as explants. Based on the shortest period for shoot emergence and the economical use of AMPEP, the optimum enriched media was 3.0 mg L⁻¹ AMPEP and 0.1 mg L⁻¹ AMPEP + PGR 1 mg L⁻¹ each phenylacetic acid (PAA) and zeatin for PUR, 1.0 mg L⁻¹ AMPEP + PGR for KAP and GS, 0.1 mg L⁻¹ AMPEP + PGR for VAN, and 3.0 mg L⁻¹ AMPEP and 0.001 mg L⁻¹ AMPEP + PGR for AA and TGR. Results showed that the addition of PGR to low concentrations of AMPEP hastened shoot formation. pH–temperature combinations for the most rapid shoot formation were determined for the brown (KAP) and purple (PUR) color morphotypes of K. alvarezii var. tambalang and the green morphotype of K. striatum var. sacol (GS) cultured in 1.0 mg L⁻¹ AMPEP + PGR. The brown morphotype produced the most number of shoots at pH 7.7 at 20°C after as little as 20 days. Purple K. alvarezii showed an increased shoot formation at pH 6.7 at 25°C and the green K. striatum morphotype at pH 8.7 at 25°C. The optimum number of explants added to the culture media was also determined for tungawan green (TGR), brown (KAP), and tambalang purple (PUR) varieties of K. alvarezii in 1.0 mg L⁻¹ AMPEP + PGR. The number of explants and the volume of the culture media combination were also tested. The highest average number of shoots formed occurred in two explants:1 mL culture media (2:1) for KAP and PUR (35.00% and 16.67%, respectively) and 1 explant: 2 mL culture media for the TGR (100.00%) with a range of 0.5–3.0 mm shoot length after 40 days in culture. The earliest shoot formation was observed after 21 days for the brown and 9 days for both the green and purple color morphotypes of Kappaphycus, in all densities investigated. This indicated that within the range tested, the density of explants did not have a significant effect on the rate of shoot formation but did influence the average number generated from the culture. The rate of production of new and improved Kappaphycus explants for a commercial nursery stock was improved through the use of AMPEP with optimized culture media pH, temperature, and density conditions.     

Decolourization of anaerobically digested and polyaluminium chloride treated distillery spentwash in a fungal stirred tank aerobic reactor

Decolourization of anaerobically digested and polyaluminium chloride treated distillery spentwash was studied in a fungal stirred tank aerobic reactor without dilution of wastewater. Aspergillus niger isolate IITB-V8 was used as the fungal inoculum. The main objectives of the study were to optimize the stirrer speed for achieving maximum decolourization and to determine the kinetic parameters. A mathematical model was developed to describe the batch culture kinetics. Volumetric oxygen transfer coefficient (k _L a) was obtained using dynamic method. The maximum specific growth rate and growth yield of fungus were determined using Logistic equation and using Luedeking–Piret equation. 150 rpm was found to be optimum stirrer speed for overall decolourization of 87%. At the optimum stirrer speed, volumetric oxygen transfer coefficient (k _L a) was 0.4957 min⁻¹ and the maximum specific growth rate of fungus was 0.224 h⁻¹. The values of yield coefficient (Y _x/s) and maintenance coefficient (m _s) were found to be 0.48 g cells (g substrate)⁻¹ and 0.015 g substrate (g cells)⁻¹ h⁻¹.     

Effects of nutrients and fish on periphyton and plant biomass across a European latitudinal gradient

Replicated, factorial mesocosm experiments were conducted across Europe to study the effects of nutrient enrichment and fish density on macrophytes and on periphyton chlorophyll a (chl-a) with regard to latitude. Periphyton chl-a densities and plant decline were significantly related to nutrient loading in all countries. Fish effects were significant in a few sites only, mostly because of their contribution to the nutrient pool. A saturation-response type curve in periphyton chl-a with nutrients was found, and northern lakes achieved higher densities than southern lakes. Nutrient concentration and phytoplankton chl-a necessary for a 50% plant reduction followed a latitudinal gradient. Total phosphorus values for 50% plant disappearance were similar from Sweden (0.27 mg L⁻¹) to northern Spain (0.35 mg L⁻¹), but with a sharp increase in southern Spain (0.9 mg L⁻¹). Planktonic chl-a values for 50% plant reduction increased monotonically from Sweden (30 μg L⁻¹) to València (150 μg L⁻¹). Longer plant growing-season, higher light intensities and temperature, and strong water-level fluctuations characteristic of southern latitudes can lead to greater persistence of macrophyte biomass at higher turbidities and nutrient concentration than in northern lakes. Results support the evidence that latitudinal differences in the functioning of shallow lakes should be considered in lake management and conservation policies.     

Zinc tolerance and accumulation in stable cell suspension cultures and in vitro regenerated plants of the emerging model plant Arabidopsis halleri (Brassicaceae)

Arabidopsis halleri is increasingly employed as a model plant for studying heavy metal hyperaccumulation. With the aim of providing valuable tools for studies on cellular physiology and molecular biology of metal tolerance and transport, this study reports the development of successful and highly efficient methods for the in vitro regeneration of A. halleri plants and production of stable cell suspension lines. Plants were regenerated from leaf explants of A. halleri via a three-step procedure: callus induction, somatic embryogenesis and shoot development. Efficiency of callus proliferation and regeneration depended on the initial callus induction media and was optimal in the presence of 1 mg L⁻¹ 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, and 0.05 mg L⁻¹ benzylaminopurine. Subsequent shoot and root regeneration from callus initiated under these conditions reached levels of 100% efficiency. High friability of the callus supported the development of cell suspension cultures with minimal cellular aggregates. Characterization of regenerated plants and cell cultures determined that they maintained not only the zinc tolerance and requirement of the whole plant but also the ability to accumulate zinc; with plants accumulating up to 50.0 μmoles zinc g⁻¹ FW, and cell suspension cultures 30.9 μmoles zinc g⁻¹ DW. Together this work will provide the experimental basis for furthering our knowledge of A. halleri as a model heavy metal hyperaccumulating plant.     

Statistical optimization of culture media for production of phycobiliprotein by Synechocystis sp. PCC 6701

Synechocystis sp. PCC 6701 has a brilliantly colored pigment, phycobiliprotein containing phycoerythrin. Culture medium was optimized by sequential designs in order to maximize phycobiliprotein production. The observed fresh weights after 6 days were 0.58 g/L in BG-11, 0.83 g/L in medium for Scenedesmus sp. and 0.03∼0.52 g/L in the other tested media. Medium for Scenedesmus sp. was selected to be optimized by fractional factorial design and central composite design since the medium maintained a more stable pH within a desirable range due to higher contents of phosphate. The fractional factorial design had seven factors with two levels: KNO₃, NaNO₃, NaH₂PO₄, Na₂HPO₄, Ca(NO₃)₂, FeEDTA, and MgSO₄. From the result of fractional factorial design, nitrate and phosphate were identified as significant factors. A central composite design was then applied with four variables at five levels each: nitrate, phosphate, pH, and light intensity. Parameters such as fresh weight and phycobiliprotein contents were used to determine the optimum value of the four variables. The proposed optimum media contains 0.88 g/L of nitrate, 0.32 g/L of phosphate under 25 μE·m⁻²·s⁻¹ of light intensity. The maximum phycobiliprotein contents have been increased over 400%, from 4.9 to 25.9 mg/L after optimization.     

Effects of Artemisinin Derivative on the Growth Metabolism of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tetrahymena thermophila</Emphasis> BF5 Based on Expression of Thermokinetics

The toxic effects of artesunate and dihydroartemisinin on the growth metabolism of Tetrahymena thermophila BF5 were studied by microcalorimetry. The results showed that: (1) low concentrations of artesunate (≤1 mg L⁻¹) and dihydroartemisinin (≤ 2 mg L⁻¹) promoted the growth metabolism of T. thermophila BF5, whereas high concentrations of artesunate (1–60 mg L⁻¹) and dihydroartemisinin (2–60 mg L⁻¹) inhibited its growth; (2) the half inhibition concentrations IC₅₀ of artesunate and dihydroartemisinin were 17.5817 and 9.5089 mg L⁻¹, respectively. It was concluded that the inhibition of dihydroartemisinin was stronger than that of artesunate.     

Biomass Production with Willow and Poplar Short Rotation Coppices on Sensitive Areas—the Impact on Nitrate Leaching and Groundwater Recharge in a Drinking Water Catchment near Hanover,Germany

In a lowland drinking water catchment area, nitrate leaching as well as groundwater recharge (GWR) was investigated in willow and poplar short rotation coppice (SRC) plantations of different ages, soil preparation measures prior to planting and harvesting intervals. Significantly increased nitrate concentrations of 16.6 ± 1.6 mg NO₃-N L⁻¹ were measured in winter/spring 2010 on a poplar site, established in 2009 after deep plowing (90 cm) but then, subsequently decreased strongly to below 2 mg NO₃-N L⁻¹ in spring 2011. The fallow ground reference plot showed nitrate concentrations consistently below 1 mg L⁻¹ and estimated annual seepage output loss was only 1.36 ± 1.1 kg ha⁻¹ a⁻¹. Leaching loss from a neighboring willow plot from 2005 was 14.3 ± 6.6 kg NO₃-N ha⁻¹ during spring 2010 but decreased to 2.0 ± 1.5 kg NO₃-N ha⁻¹ during the subsequent drainage period. A second willow plot, not harvested since its establishment in 1994, showed continuously higher nitrate concentrations (10.2 ± 1.7 NO₃-N L⁻¹), while a neighboring poplar plot, twice harvested since 1994 showed significantly reduced nitrate concentrations. Water balance simulations, referenced by soil water tension and throughfall measurements, showed that at 655 mm annual rainfall, GWR from the reference plot (300 mm a⁻¹) was reduced by 40 % (to 180 mm a⁻¹) on the 2005 willow stand, mainly due to doubled rainfall interception losses. However, transpiration was limited by low soil water storage capacities, which in turn led to a moderate impact on GWR. We conclude that well-managed SRC on sensitive areas can prevent nitrate leaching, while impacts on GWR may be mitigated by management options.     

An optimization study of carotenoid production by Rhodotorula glutinis DBVPG 3853 from substrates containing concentrated rectified grape must as the sole carbohydrate source

A multivariate statistical approach was employed for the optimization of conditions for carotenoid production by Rhodotorula glutinis DBVPG 3853 from a substrate containing concentrated rectified grape must as the sole carbohydrate source. Several experimental parameters (carbohydrate, yeast autolysate and salt concentrations, and pH) were tested at two levels by following a fractional factorial design. Carotenogenesis was most sensitive to both initial pH and yeast autolysate concentration. A Central Composite Design experiment was then performed by obtaining both second-order polynomial models and isoresponse diagrams where initial pH and yeast autolysate concentration were considered as variables. In this way it was possible to determine the conditions (pH = 5.78, yeast autolysate = 4.67 g L⁻¹) which maximize both the concentration of total carotenoids and that of β-carotene (6.9 mg L⁻¹ and 1100 μg L⁻¹ of culture fluid, respectively, after 120 h of fermentation). Journal of Industrial Microbiology & Biotechnology (2000) 24, 41–45. Received 23 February 1999/ Accepted in revised form 14 September 1999     

Combination effect of lactoalbumin hydrolysate and methyl jasmonate on ginsenoside and polysaccharide production in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Panax quinquefolium</Emphasis> L. cells cultures

Lactoalbumin hydrolysate (LH) at 100 mg L⁻¹ with methyl jasmonate (MJ) at 2 mg L⁻¹ synergistically stimulated ginsenoside accumulation in Panax quinquefolium cells compared with 100 mg L⁻¹ LH. Combination elicitors led to higher ginsenoside productivity (45.93 mg L⁻¹) than single treatment of 100 mg L⁻¹ LH (31.37 mg L⁻¹). This present result will be helpful in providing a tool for enhancing the productivity of ginsenoside by Panax quinquefolium cell cultures on a commercial scale.     

Identification and hexavalent chromium reduction characteristics of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pannonibacter phragmitetus</Emphasis>

A hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] reducing bacterial strain was isolated from chromium-containing slag. It was identified as Pannonibacter phragmitetus based on physiological, biochemical characteristics and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. This bacterium displayed great Cr(VI) reduction capability. The Cr(VI) could be completely removed in 24 h under anaerobic condition when the initial concentration was 1,917 mg L⁻¹, with the maximum reduction rate of 562.8 mg L⁻¹ h⁻¹. The Cr(VI) reduction rate increased with the increase of Cr(VI) concentration. P. phragmitetus was able to use many carbon sources such as lactose, fructose, glucose, pyruvate, citrate, formate, lactate, NADPH and NADH as electron donors, among which the lactate had the greatest power to promote the reduction process. Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺ and Ni²⁺ inhibited, while Cu²⁺, Pb²⁺, Mn²⁺ and Co²⁺ stimulated the reduction. The optimum pH and temperature for reduction were 9.0 and 30 °C, respectively. The results indicated that this strain had great potential for application in the bioremediation of chromate-polluted soil and water systems.