Analysis of Hexavalent Chromium in Industrial Sludge
Chromium is a naturally occurring element present in water, rocks, soils, and in biological organisms. Even though, chromium exists in various oxidation states, the only biologically and environmentally stable forms are Cr3+, trivalent Cr(III) and Cr6+, hexavalent Cr(VI) chromium (Ducros, 1992). The presence of Cr(III) versus Cr(VI) is pH dependent, Cr(VI) exists under alkaline or neutral conditions and converts to Cr(III) in acidic environment (EPA, 1984). While Cr(III) is an essential nutrient for metabolism, Cr(VI) is toxic and a known carcinogen. Cr(VI) can be found in solution state, as chromate, CrO42-, hydro chromate, HCrO4- , dichromate, Cr2O7- or as water-soluble anion (Callahan et al., 1979).
Potassium dichromate has been shown to increase the negative effects of Cr(VI) in organisms (Susa, 1994). Exposure to airborne or dissolved Cr(VI) by inhalation or ingestion of contaminated air, water, or soil, is a major concern for various industries, involving welding, electroplating, and chromate painting (ATSDR, 1993). Thus, it is crucial to monitor Cr(VI) levels to protect workers at various working environment. High-Purity Standards is developing reference materials for the analysis and quality control of Cr(VI) from various source materials for use in industrial hygiene and air monitoring applications.
Conclusion
Hexavalent chromium can be quantitatively extracted and measured in natural and simulated reference materials. High Purity Standards Inc will next apply these to a variety of filter media to determine the impact of the filter media to the viability and stability of Cr(VI) reference material for use in industrial hygiene applications.
Further testing will include analysis of various environmental and industrial samples using HPLC/ICP-MS.
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