What false statements did I make? I think we maybe are going by different definitions? For me biological functions are those essential to maintain health of an organism, this was unclear so I do apologize. I probably should have said that they're not essential to the health of the organisms but sometimes chromium (VI) can be metabolically altered by them.
E.g. Organisms like D. vulgaris can reduce elements like chromium (VI) and Uranium (VI). Yet the only benefit they get is not to deal with the toxins in their environment anymore. Same with the phytoplankton and using photoreduction. Some seem to be able to use these metals as electron acceptors, but it's more of a double shot, they get reduction (detoxification) and a bit of energy. Yet none of these organisms that I can find are exclusive to anyone metal, and usually only use these metals when they don't have enough of their primary reductant available, sulfate, nitrate etc... This is likely very important for their niche, so it could be thought of as similar to our liver and the detoxification of various metabolites.
And one more thing. If I didn't think it was risky to handle the compound outside a laboratory I'd say if you want to do it then do it, I'll just disagree to it's benefits. Basically throw in your chromium, barium, lithium, rubidium, thallium, uranium,. etc...
Oh and the Synechococcus growth medium (picophytoplankton) that I have been using has
chromium (III) nitrate. So that might be another shot.
And yes I put that in the medium because they call for it, I'm not sure it does anything????
