Reduction of chromium-VI by chromium-resistant Escherichia coli FACU: a prospective bacterium for bioremediation.

The release of hexavalent chromium [Cr (VI)] into environments has resulted in many undesirable interactions with biological systems for its toxic potential and mutagenicity. Chromate reduction via chromium reductase (ChrR) is a key strategy for detoxifying Cr (VI) to trivalent species of no toxicity. In this study, ten bacterial isolates were isolated from heavily polluted soils, with a strain assigned as FACU, being the most efficient one able to reduce Cr (VI).