Nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) faces significant challenges
in Cr(VI) remediation through aggregation and passivation. This study
identified a Cr(VI)-resistant filamentous fungus (Penicillium
oxalicum SL2) for nZVI activation and elucidated the
synergistic mechanism in chromium remediation. P. oxalicum SL2 and nZVI synergistically and effectively removed Cr(VI), mainly
by extracellular nonenzymatic reduction (89.1%). P.
oxalicum SL2 exhibited marked iron precipitate solubilization
and Fe(II) regeneration capabilities. The existence of the Fe(II)–Cr(V)-oxalate
complex (HCrFeC4O9) indicated that in addition
to directly reducing Cr(VI), iron ions generated by nZVI stimulated
Cr(VI) reduction by organic acids secreted by P. oxalicum SL2. RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis revealed that P. oxalicum SL2 inhibited phosphate transport channels
to suppress Cr(VI) transport, facilitated iron and siderophore transport
to store Fe, activated the glyoxylate cycle to survive harsh environments,
and enhanced organic acid and riboflavin secretion to reduce Cr(VI).
Cr(VI) exposure also stimulated the antioxidative system, promoting
catalase activity and maintaining the intracellular thiol/disulfide
balance. Cr(VI)/Fe(III) reductases played crucial roles in the intracellular
reduction of chromium and iron, while nZVI decreased cellular oxidative
stress and alleviated Cr(VI) toxicity to P. oxalicum SL2. Overall, the P. oxalicum SL2–nZVI
synergistic system is a promising approach for regenerating Fe(II)
while reducing Cr(VI).