Review of Chromium Speciation Research
Research Project: Assessing the Impact of Chromium in the Environment Assessing the Impact of Chromium in the Environment Funding provided by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection RCRA Program
Chromium Exists as Several Chemical Species Most common oxidation states: 0, +3, +6 0: Elemental Chromium (Cr) +3: Trivalent Chromium Species: Cr +3, Cr 2 O 3 +6: Hexavalent Chromium Species: CrO 4 2-, Cr 2 O 7 -
Chromium Speciation Important! The characteristics and properties of trivalent chromium and hexavalent chromium are greatly different. Cr(VI) is much more toxic and mobile than Cr(III)
pH Cr 2 O 3 CrO 4 2- Cr 2 O 7 - Cr 3+ Eh (volts) Chromium Eh-pH Diagram
Fate of Chromium in CCA- Treatment Process –CrAsO 4 –Cu(OH)CrAsO 4 –CuCrO 4 –Cr(OH) 3 –Cr 6+ /wood complexes –Cr 3+ /wood complexes –Cu 2+ /wood complexes CrO 3 CuO As 2 O 5 Treating SolutionTreated Wood Cr +6 Cr +3
Research Objective Examine the fate and behavior of hexavalent chromium in various environmental media impacted by CCA
0.0 mg Cr +6 /l0.3 mg Cr +6 /l0.6 mg Cr +6 /l
Alkaline Digestion SW-846 Method 3060A
IC System Detector Integrator Analytical Column Guard Column LC Pump
Experiment 1 Examination of the fate of hexavalent chromium in soils spiked with CCA solution Cr(VI)/Cr(total) concentrations were measured over time Leachable Cr(VI) and Cr(III) concentrations measured over time (SPLP)
Soil Types
Reduction in Total Cr+6 with Time
Experiment 2 How Much CrVI is in CCA-Treated Wood
Results Alkaline digestions on CCA-treated wood samples show Cr +6 concentrations in the range 7 to 250 mg/kg (less 3% of all Chromium) SPLP leachates have no detectable Cr +6 concentrations
Experiment 3 Under what leaching conditions would Cr +6 form?
Chromium Leachability as a Function of Time (weathered wood sample)
TCLP & SPLP MSW Landfill Leachate Alkaline Leachate
Experiment 4 Will Cr +6 be formed in simulated alkaline leachate? Scenario: saturated concrete
Chromium Leaching in Concrete Leachate
Experiment 5 Is Cr +6 formed during combustion of CCA-treated wood?