Effects of hexavalent and trivalent chromium on the growth of escherichia coli ATCC 35218

The effect of chromium (III) and (VI) on the growth of Escherichia coli ATCC 35218 was studied to determine the toxicity of these chemical species. The study was performed in two experimental conditions: single chromium solutions (III or VI) and multimetal solutions containing chromium and either lead or cadmium. Hexavalent chromium, at concentrations from 25 to 100 ppm, similar to those found in industrial effluents, inhibits the growth of Escherichia coli. This inhibitory effect is increased by the presence of lead, which does not modify per se the bacterial viability. On the other hand, low concentrations of chromium (VI, 0.05-5 ppm) do not alter bacterial growth but cause stimulation in the presence of either lead or cadmium. The trivalent form of chromium does not modify the bacterial growth at low concentrations (25 to 100 ppm) but causes stimulation at high concentrations (200 to 400 ppm).