Synchronous bioremediation of vanadium(V) and chromium(VI) using straw in a continuous-flow reactor

Vanadium (V) and chromium (Cr) are key resources widely used in industrial production. However, mining causes V(V) and Cr(VI) contamination in groundwater, posing health and environmental risks. Straw is an important byproduct and considered waste, however, it could be a solid carbon source. Therefore, the feasibility of V(V) and Cr(VI) bioremediation in groundwater was determined using straw as the carbon source in this study. A continuous-flow reactor able to resist fluctuations in pollutant concentrations in groundwater was constructed. V(V) and Cr(VI) were completely removed (100%, 10–34 d) in the reactor, and the maximum Cr(VI) removal rate from effluent was 1.19 mg/(L·h) (34–64 d). After long-term reactor operation (114 d), the V(V) and Cr(VI) removal rates reached almost 100%. Moreover, the formation of humus and tryptophan contributed to V(V) and Cr(VI) bioremediation. The extracellular polymeric substance content increased from 108.28 to 113.98 mg/g VSS, and combined with V(V) and Cr(VI) to reduce their concentrations. Moreover, functional microbes associated with heavy metal removal (Bacillus and Pseudobacteroides) and straw decomposition (Paludibacter) were found. The findings of this study offer empirical evidence that support the utilization of straw for mitigating composite heavy metal pollution, thereby laying a foundation for its practical engineering applications. [Display omitted] •Nearly 100% of V(V) and Cr(VI) were removed in long-term operation (114 d).•EPS were related to the biological reduction of V(V) and Cr(VI).•Humus and tryptophan contributed to V(V) and Cr(VI) bio-reduction.•Main functional microbes included Paludibacter, Bacillus and Pseudobacteroides.