| Abstract: | Palladized biomass of Desulfovibrio vulgaris (Bio‐Pd(0)) reduced Cr(VI) to Cr(III) at an initial rate four‐fold higher than chemically‐prepared Pd(0) metal. Optimal Cr(VI) reduction by suspended Bio‐Pd(0) occurred at pH 3, whereas pH did not affect the rate of Cr(VI) reduction by Bio‐Pd(0) immobilized in agar beads. The rate of Cr(VI) reduction was concentration‐dependent below 300 µmol dm?3, and application of enzyme kinetics, considering Bio‐Pd(0) as an ‘artificial enzyme’, gave an apparent Km (Kmapp) of approx. 650 µmol dm?3 and Vmax of 1667 nmol h?1 mg Pd(0) for suspended Bio‐Pd(0). The potential of Bio‐Pd(0) as a method for the treatment of Cr(VI)‐wastes is discussed. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry |
