The effectiveness of Penicillium chrysogenum was evaluated for reducing Cr(VI) from the wastewater of a chromium electroplating plant. Statistically-based experimental designs were applied to optimize the condition for reducing Cr(VI) to Cr(III). By applying Plackett-Burman factorial design and central composite design as the optimization step, attempts were made to identify optimal values of the three factors that bringing about maximum microorganism activity and therefore maximum hexavalent chromium(VI) bioreduction. It was found that each gram of P. chrysogenum of dry biomass condition could reduce 66 mg of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) in the wastewater of the chromium electroplating plant. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.