In a breakthrough discovery, scientists at the Indian Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University (IIT-BHU), have identified a bacteria that can separate toxic cancer-causing metal — hexavalent chromium — from water making it safe for use. Hexavalent chromium is a heavy metal ion that can cause several health problems in humans, including infertility, liver & kidney malfunctioning and various types of cancers.
The research finding got published in the Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering – an international journal of repute. This newly discovered bacterial strain has been named ‘Microbacterium paraoxydans strain VSVM IIT (BHU)’. Dr. Vishal Mishra who led the research said, “This new bacterial strain is able to tolerate large concentrations of hexavalent chromium. It is very effective for removal of hexavalent chromium from wastewater compared to other conventional methods.” He further informed that this bacterial strain proves to be convenient because there is no need for an extra separation process after removal. This bacterial mediated wastewater treatment is inexpensive and non-toxic as there is no involvement of costly equipment and chemicals.
Testing of hexavalent chromium removal capacity of this bacterial strain has been done in industrial and synthetic wastewater with satisfactory results. Separation after usage removes hexavalent chromium until the discharge limit of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) without requiring any large energy input. This breakthrough discovery is a boon as water-borne diseases are a major problem. According to WHO, 3.4 million people including children die from water-borne diseases annually.