Effect of initial concentration of Cr (VI) and Rhizopus sp. on the physicochemical characteristics of tannery wastewater in Trujillo, Peru

Abstract

Worldwide, industries use different toxic substances containing heavy metals, which end up in waters, representing a danger to public health and the environment; due to this, the present research aimed to evaluate the bioremediation capacity of the fungal species Rhizopus sp. from wastewater from a tannery in the city of Trujillo, Peru. A 3k factorial design was applied, with two factors (k=2): initial concentration of Cr+6 and number of Rhizopus sp. roasts. As dependent variables, the percentages of removal of Cr+6, BOD5, electrical conductivity (EC) and turbidity (NTU), as well as the final pH of the solution were measured. It was found that the two factors have a significant effect on the percentage removal of Cr+6, BOD5, electrical conductivity and turbidity, as well as on the final pH. An initial concentration of Cr+6 0.05 ppm and 3 roasts of Rhizopus sp. are recommended. to optimize bioremediation of wastewater from tanneries contaminated with Cr+6.