A novel isolate of Desulfovibrio sp. with enhanced ability to reduce Cr(VI)

Kinetic analysis of the reduction of Cr(VI) by resting cell suspensions of Desulfovibrio vulgaris ATCC 29579 and a new isolate, Desulfovibrio sp. (`Oz7') was studied using lactate as the electron donor at 30 °C. The apparent K<sub>m</sub> (K<sub>m app</sub>) and V<sub>max</sub> with respect to Cr(VI) reduction was compared for both strains. Desulfovibio sp. `Oz7' had a K_{m app} of 90 M (threefold lower than that of D. vulgaris ATCC 29579) and a V_max of 120 nmol h^–1 mg^–1 biomass dry wt (approx. 30% lower than for the reference strain). The potential of the new isolate for bioremediation of Cr(VI) wastewaters is discussed.