Characterization of Product and Potential Mechanism of Cr(VI) Reduction by Anaerobic Activated Sludge in a Sequencing Batch Reactor

Bioremediation of Cr(VI) and nitrate is considered as a promising and cost-effective alternative to chemical and physical methods. However, organo-Cr(III) complexes in effluent generally causes environmental concerns due to second-pollution. Here, Cr(VI) reduction and immobilization efficiencies of anaerobic activated sludge were investigated. Anaerobic activated sludge showed strong reduction ability of Cr(VI) and possessed a great potential of Cr(III) immobilization. Almost 100.0 mg l−1 Cr(VI) could be completely reduced and immobilized by anaerobic activated sludge in a sequencing batch reactor in 24 h. And most generated Cr(III) was accumulated outside of sludge cells. Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) could bind to Cr(VI) and form EPS-Cr(VI) interaction to reduce the toxic effect of Cr(VI) and promote the Cr(VI) reduction. Protein-like and humic-like substances were responsible for binding with Cr(VI), meanwhile the process was a thermodynamically favorable binding reaction. Then Cr(VI) was reduced to Cr(III) by membrane-associated chromate reductase of sludge. Eventually, the generated Cr(III) might exist as poly-nuclear Cr(III) complexes adhered to sludge surfaces.