A review on chromium health hazards and molecular mechanism of chromium bioremediation

Rev Environ Health. 2022 May 11;38(3):461-478. doi: 10.1515/reveh-2021-0139. Print 2023 Sep 26.

Abstract

Living beings have been devastated by environmental pollution, which has reached its peak. The disastrous pollution of the environment is in large part due to industrial wastes containing toxic pollutants. The widespread use of chromium (Cr (III)/Cr (VI)) in industries, especially tanneries, makes it one of the most dangerous environmental pollutants. Chromium pollution is widespread due to ineffective treatment methods. Bioremediation of chromium (Cr) using bacteria is very thoughtful due to its eco-friendly and cost-effective outcome. In order to counter chromium toxicity, bacteria have numerous mechanisms, such as the ability to absorb, reduce, efflux, or accumulate the metal. In this review article, we focused on chromium toxicity on human and environmental health as well as its bioremediation mechanism.

Keywords: bioremediation; carcinogenicity; chromium; genotoxicity; health hazards.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bacteria
  • Biodegradation, Environmental
  • Chromium* / analysis
  • Chromium* / toxicity
  • Environmental Pollutants* / toxicity
  • Humans
  • Industrial Waste
  • Industry

Substances

  • Chromium
  • Environmental Pollutants
  • Industrial Waste