Study on removing selenate from groundwater by autohydrogenotrophic microorganisms

Performance of autohydrogenotrophic bacteria for bio-reduction of selenate (Se(VI)) under anaerobic conditions was investigated with batch experiments. Results showed Se(VI) was bio-reduced to selenite (Se(IV)) as an intermediate product, and then to elemental selenium (Se0). Reduction kinetics could be described by the pseudo-first-order model. In particular, the influences of pH value and temperature on Se(VI) reduction by autohydrogentrophic organisms were examined. The high degradation rate was achieved at pH 7.0 to 8.0; and the best reduction temperature was between 25°C and 35°C. This study is of help for treating groundwater with selenium contamination by autohydrogenotrophic bacteria as well as its reactor development.