Chromium fractionation and speciation in natural waters

Abstract

It is common for leather industries to dump chromium-contaminated effluent into rivers and other bodies of water. Thus, it is crucial to know the impacts caused by this practice to the environment. A study on chromium partitioning and speciation, with determination at trace levels, was carried out in a potentially contaminated creek. Chromium fractionation and speciation was performed using a flow-injection preconcentration system and detection by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. High levels of this element were found in the particulate material (449–9320 mg kg⁻¹), which indicates its compatibility with this fraction. The concentration of Cr(III) in the water samples collected ranged from 5.2–105.2 μg L⁻¹. Cr(VI) was always below of the DL (0.3 μg L⁻¹). Chromium accumulation observed in the sediment (873–1691 mg kg⁻¹) may confirm contamination due to the long term release of contaminated effluents in the creek.