Bioremediation Potentials of Partially Purified Chromate (VI) Reductase Isolated From Trebouxia erici in Waste Water

Abstract

Chromium (VI) is a toxic and carcinogenic metal ion that contaminates wastewater from various industrial 
sources. Bioremediation using chromate (VI) reductase enzymes offers a promising solution for removing 
chromium (VI) from wastewater. In this study, chromate (VI) reductase enzyme from the lichen Trebouxia 
erici was partially purified and characterized. The 2.23-fold partially purified enzyme with a 33.3% yield, 
was found to have a high specific activity of 117mU/mg protein and a high affinity for chromium (VI), with 
a K_M of 0.103 μmol/min/mg and a V_max values of 128 μM. Optimization studies revealed the enzyme's pH as 6.5 and temperature preferences of 40^OC, along with its kinetic parameters, establishing its effectiveness under diverse wastewater conditions. Application trials demonstrated significant Cr((VI)) 
reduction in industrial effluent samples, highlighting its potential as an eco-friendly and efficient bioremediation agent. The enzyme was also able to reduce chromium (VI) with a rate of 10 nmol/min/mg 
protein. Findings from present study demonstrate the potential of chromate (VI) reductase from Trebouxia erici in the bioremediation of chromium (VI)-contaminated wastewater.