Bioremediation is an important function of microorganisms in relation to contaminated soils, wastewater and effluent. Microbes have always been demonstrated to be cost-efficient in the treatment of industrial effluents containing heavy metals like chromium(VI). As more and more new and novel isolates are being discovered with having the ability to acclimatize to varying environments. The application of microorganisms, especially that of bacteria, proves to be showing a greater potential as a low costing biotechnological application. The procedure can be adjusted according to the needs and conditional requirements where the bio-absorbents utilized might be either dead or living. Microbial bioabsorption of chromium(VI) stands out to be an alternative for the removal of the toxic contaminant. This review is focused on the different biosorbent features appropriate in the removal of chromium; different types of bioreactors; and the evolution of research with an overview of bioabsorption. © 2020 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.