Removal of As(III) and Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions by Bixa orellana leaf biosorbent and As(III) removal using bacterial isolates from heavy metal contaminated site

Arsenic and chromium have affected wider area in the world including Gangetic plains of India due to its toxicity and carcinogenic characteristics. Entry of As(III) into food chain has also escalated problem. A novel approach has been adopted to develop remediation technique using bacteria and herbs. The bioremediation study showed Bixa orellana as an accumulator of As(III) of Cr(VI) which was validated by SEM-EDX, FTIR and other kinetic analyses. Maximum percentage removal of Cr(VI) with fixed bio mass of B. orellana is 82.8% for an initial concentration of 3 ppm Cr(VI) concentration whereas maximum percentage removal of As(III) is 40.42 for an initial concentration of 6 ppm As(III).