Reduction of Fe(III)EDTA− in a NOx scrubbing solution by magnetic Fe3O4-chitosan microspheres immobilized mixed culture of iron-reducing bacteria

► Magnetic Fe3O4-chitosan microspheres were used to immobilize iron-reducing bacteria. ► The immobilized bacteria had a good performance on Fe(III)EDTA− reduction. ► Immobilization improved the resistance of the bacteria against unfavorable condition. ► Immobilization decreased the inhibition of toxic compounds on Fe(III)EDTA− reduction.