Metal-induced phosphate extracellular nanoparticulate formation in Ochrobactrum tritici 5bvl1

► O. tritici strain 5bvl1 reduced and precipitated Cr in the presence of Fe(III). ► The precipitates consisted of extracellular aggregates rich in phosphate. ► The aggregates possessed ortho and polymeric phosphate complexed with Ca, Fe, and Cr. ► The aggregates formation was related with Cr(VI), Fe(III) and polyphosphate kinase. ► O. tritici strain 5bvl1 mechanisms make it a valuable tool for Cr(VI)-bioremediation.