Evaluation of Bioremediation Potential of Two Commercial Probiotics for Cr (VI): an In vitro Study

Pragya Goyal¹, Pranoti Belapurkar^1* and Anand Kar²

¹Department of Biosciences, Acropolis Institute, Mangliya, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India.

²School of Life Sciences, Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India.

Corresponding Author E-mail: pranotibelapurkar@acropolis.in

ABSTRACT: Chromium, in its hexavalent form (Cr (VI)), is a highly toxic and a carcinogenic heavy metal, which is released in the environment largely due to anthropogenic activities. Studies have reported that microorganisms especially probiotics may have the potential to reduce its toxicity under in vitro as well as in vivo conditions. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of various factors on bioremediation potential of two probiotic species of genus Bacillus, B. coagulans and B. clausii for Cr (VI). The factors assessed were initial Cr (VI) concentration, temperature, pH and contact duration. Both organisms showed an exceptionally high Cr (VI) reducing capability from the surrounding media. B. coagulans showed maximum reduction of Cr (VI) at 8 ppm concentration; temperature 40^oC; pH 9 and contact duration 48 hrs while for B. clausii these parameters were optimized to be 8 ppm of Cr (VI) concentration, temperature 30^oC, pH 7 and contact duration 48 hrs. These results also indicated that the probable strategies adopted by the test microorganisms for bioremediation of Cr (VI) are biosorption and bioaccumulation. The observations were highly promising and therefore, B. coagulans and B. clausii appear to be ideal candidates for potential bioremediation of Cr (VI), in vivo.

KEYWORDS: Bioremediation; Bacillus clausii; Bacillus coagulans; Cr (VI); Probiotic

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