Sorption rates for the uptake of Cr super(6+) by a consortia of denitrifying bacteria

A fractional factorial statistical experimental design was used to ascertain which experimental parameters affect the rate at which Cr super(6+) is sorbed by a consortium of denitrifying bacteria. Data from this set of experiments indicates that the amount of chromium sorbed as a function of time could be described by an exponential rise function. Additionally, the data indicate that at least 15 hours were required to establish equilibrium. Finally, observed variations in the parameters in this rate equation were found to be due to the imposed changes in the experimental variables. These results indicate that the processes by which the chromate ion was removed from solution may be associated with the cells' metabolic processes.