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Optimization of Cr(VI) bioremediation in contaminated soil using indigenous bacteria

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Abstract

Bench-scale soil column experiments were carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of Cr(VI) bioremediation process in soils by using indigenous bacteria with the addition of bacteria nutrient media. Effects of particle size, spray intensity, initial Cr(VI) concentration, circulation mode and soil depth on Cr(VI) remediation were studied. Results show that soils after 6 d remediation with spray intensity controlled in the range of 29.6–59.2 mL/min could well fulfill the requirement of concrete aggregate and roadbed material usage, for the leaching toxicity concentration of the Cr(VI) in treated soils under the chosen condition is far less than 5 mg/L. The leaching toxicity and fractions of both hexavalent chromium and trivalent chromium from remediated soils were determined and compared with that of untreated soil. The results show that water soluble Cr(VI) declines from 1520.54 mg/kg to 0.68 mg/kg, exchangeable Cr(VI) decreases from 34.83 mg/kg to 0.01 mg/kg and carbonates-bonded Cr(VI) falls from 13.55 mg/kg to 0.68 mg/kg. Meanwhile, a corresponding increase in carbonate-bonded Cr(III), Fe and Mn oxides-bonded Cr(III) and organic matter-bonded Cr(III) are found. It reveals that indigenous bacteria can leach out water soluble Cr(VI), exchangeable Cr(VI) and carbonates-bonded Cr(VI) from contaminated soil followed by converting into carbonate-bonded Cr(III), Fe and Mn oxides-bonded Cr(III), organic matter-bonded Cr(III) and residual Cr(III).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Environmental Science & Engineering, School of Metallurgical Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China

    Qian Li  (李倩), Zhi-hui Yang  (杨志辉), Li-yuan Chai  (柴立元), Shan Xiong  (熊珊), Ying-ping Liao  (廖映平) & Shu-juan Zhang  (张淑娟)

  2. Hunan Research Institute of Nonferrous Metals, Changsha, 410015, China

    Qian Li  (李倩) & Bing Wang  (王兵)

Authors
  1. Qian Li  (李倩)
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  2. Zhi-hui Yang  (杨志辉)
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  3. Li-yuan Chai  (柴立元)
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  4. Bing Wang  (王兵)
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  5. Shan Xiong  (熊珊)
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  6. Ying-ping Liao  (廖映平)
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  7. Shu-juan Zhang  (张淑娟)
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Correspondence to Zhi-hui Yang  (杨志辉).

Additional information

Foundation item: Project(50925417) supported by the National Funds for Distinguished Young Scientist, China; Project(50830301) supported by the Key Program of National Natural Science Foundation of China; Project(51074191) supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China

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Li, Q., Yang, Zh., Chai, Ly. et al. Optimization of Cr(VI) bioremediation in contaminated soil using indigenous bacteria. J. Cent. South Univ. 20, 480–487 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-013-1509-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-013-1509-8

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