Yeast Bioremediation of Cr (VI) from Tannery Wastewater

Tanning industries are known for their high chromium-containing wastewater generation and caused life-threatening actions on the environment and society. Presently, bioaccumulation becomes a better alternative in the treatment of heavy metals including Cr (VI) due to its cost-effectiveness, relatively high heavy metal removal capacity, and recovery potential. There are many research works about Cr (VI) removal mostly at its low concentration. With this work, bioaccumulation of Cr (VI) at a relatively high concentration was investigated using Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Significant results have been achieved after Cr (VI)-contaminated wastewater has been treated at different values of treatment variables such as pH, Cr (VI), and incubation time. The result of the full factorial experimental data analysis showed that the maximum removal efficiency of 88.2%, achieved at pH value of 5, incubation time of 5 days, and 5 mg/ml concentration of Cr (VI) are the optimum conditions. Also, the FTIR and viability test analysis confirmed that the living yeast cell removed Cr (VI) at a relatively higher concentration.