Removal of Hexavalent Chromium by Aspergillus niger Through Reduction and Accumulation |
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Authors: | Hui Xu Xi-yang Xu Yang Ding An-huai Lu Yin-huang Li |
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Affiliation: | The Key Laboratory of Orogenic Belts and Crustal Evolution, School of Earth and Space Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China |
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Abstract: | Abstract Industrial activities discharge a large amount of wastes containing hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] into the environment, which poses a threat to human health. Microorganisms can be used as efficient tools for Cr(VI) remediation. In this study, the Cr(VI) removal capacity of Aspergillus niger was evaluated. A. niger could tolerate and reduce Cr(VI) by nearly 100% at concentrations ranging from 10 to 50?mg/L. Overall, almost 97% of the Cr(VI) removal was caused by extracellular reduction whereas 3% was caused by accumulation. Extracellular reduction was mediated by non-enzymatic cell secretions, whereas extracellular accumulated Cr formed precipitates on the hyphal surfaces and was partially absorbed on the cell wall. Cr(VI) also entered the cell and was reduced by the strong chromate reductase activity in cell-free extracts and then accumulated within the cell. These data suggest that A. niger, which has the capacity to remove Cr(VI) by reduction and accumulation, can be a useful tool for Cr(VI) remediation. |
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Keywords: | Accumulation Aspergillus niger bioremediation chromium removal reduction |
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