Tolerance and removal of chromium(VI) by Bacillus sp. strain YB-1 isolated from electroplating sludge

Four chromium(VI)-resistant bacteria named YB-1, YB-2, YB-3 and YB-4 were isolated from Cr-electroplating sludge. YB-1 and YB-2 were identified as a member of Bacillus sp. based on morphology and Biolog Microstation System. The strain of YB-1 was selected to test for its resistance and ability to remove Cr(VI) from aqueous solution. The results indicate that YB-1 exhibits high MIC value which can almost reach 140 mg/L and the growth of YB-1 in liquid medium containing 60 mg/L Cr(VI) is affected especially in the late exponential phase and stationary phase. Furthermore, the potential of living and freeze-dried YB-1 biomass to remove Cr(VI) was studied in different pH, biosorbent dose, contact time and initial concentration using the batch method. At the optimal conditions, living and freeze-dried biomass are capable of absorbing 34.5 mg/g and 17.8 mg/g chromium(VI) at initial concentration of 60 mg/L, respectively. The adsorption data were fitted to Langmuir isotherm model for these two sorbents. Kinetic studies show that the rates of sorption all follow the pseudo-second order kinetics.