The present study was carried out to evaluate removal of chromium heavy metals in effluent waste water by surface active agent. Biosurfactant producing bacterium Citrobacter freundii was isolated form soil samples collected mechanical shed in and around Namakkal. Chromium removal using crude oil utilizing bacteria was tested. Ability of growth on crude oil under shaking condition was studied. Biosurfactant activity production was carried out by oil displacement, hemolytic activity and emulsification index. The experimental data reveals that, out of 7 oil tolerant bacteria, S3 only found to be potent oil tolerant and biosurfactant producer. The isolate is a hemolytic, Gram negative rod showed maximum oil displacement activity than other tested strains. The reduction property of crude biosurfactant tested on leather tannery effluent shows decreased concentration of hexavalent chromium. Toxicity of treated effluent on seed germination and vigor index showed enhanced germination and plant growth potential evidenced that the treated effluent is free from chromium ⁶⁺ toxicity.