Biological removal of Cr(VI) using Fusarium solani in batch and continuous modes of operation

In the present work biological removal of Cr(VI) was carried out in batch and continuous modes of operation using the growing cells of Fusarium solani isolated from soil. The growth of the organism and Cr(VI) removal by the organism were studied in batch bioreactor at different initial concentration of Cr(VI) at controlled pH 5.0. Whereas, single and two stage reactors were used in continuous mode of operation for Cr(VI) removal. Batch studies indicated the maximum specific Cr(VI) removal to be 71 mg g−1 at pH 5.0 and at 500 mg l−1 initial Cr(VI) concentration. The continuous mode of operation was found to be the ideal strategy in which the process could be operated for longer duration with maximum specific Cr(VI) removal of 62.3 mg g−1. Nearly complete removal was obtained using a single stage reactor at lower Cr(VI) concentrations up to 100 mg l−1 and a two stage reactor at higher Cr(VI) concentration.