This work provides quantitative information on Cr(VI) reduction in soil samples by an indigenous actinomycete. Streptomyces sp. MC1, previously isolated from sugarcane, has shown ability to reduce Cr(VI) in liquid minimal medium. A reduction of 100 and 75% was obtained at initial Cr(VI) concentrations of 5 and 50 mg l(-1), respectively, after 48 h of incubation. Bioremediation ability of Streptomyces sp. MC1 was assayed in soil extracts and soil samples. Relative growth of Streptomyces sp. MC1 was 77 and 38% when grown in soil extract with 10 and 50 mg l(-1) of Cr(VI), respectively. MC1 was able to reduce 30% of Cr(VI) after 96 h of incubation with 10 mg l(-1) of Cr(VI), and reduction coincided with the exponential growth phase at pH 7 and 30 degrees C.In soil samples, Streptomyces sp. MC1 was able to reduce up to 94% of the Cr(VI) bioavailability (50 mg kg(-1)) after 7 d. These results were compared with non-inoculated soil samples with Cr(VI). Bioremediation activity of Streptomyces sp. MC1 was not inhibited by natural soil microbial flora. Besides, Streptomyces sp. MC1 growth was not inhibited by 50 mg kg(-1) of Cr(VI). In contrast to findings obtained by other authors, our results showed almost complete Cr(VI) removal from soil without any previous treatment, and without addition of any substrate and with a normal soil humidity level. These results confirm the Cr(VI)-contaminated soil bioremediation potential of Streptomyces sp. MC1.
Biological transformation of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) by enzymatic reduction may provide a less costly and more environmentally friendly approach to remediation. In a previous report a Cr(VI) resistant actinomycete strain, Streptomyces sp. MC1, was able to reduce Cr(VI) present in a synthetic medium, soil extract and soil samples. This is the first time optimal conditions such as pH, temperature, growth phase and electron donor have been elucidated in vitro for Cr(VI) reduction by a streptomycete. Chromate reductase of Streptomyces sp. MC1 is a constitutive enzyme which was mainly associated with biomass and required NAD(P)H as an electron donor. It was active over a broad temperature (19-39 degrees C) and pH (5-8) range, and optimum conditions were 30 degrees C and pH 7. The enzyme was present in supernatant, pellet and cell free extract. Bioremediation with the enzyme was observed in non-compatible cell reproduction systems, conditions frequently found in contaminated environments.
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