Chromium (VI) compounds: Environmental effects
Description
Compounds of two species of chromium are on the NPI reporting list, chromium (VI) and chromium (III). The environmental effects of chromium (VI) compounds will be quite different from that of chromium (III) compounds. Chromium (VI) can have a high to moderate, acute toxic effect on plants, birds or land animals. This can mean death of animals, birds or fish and death or low growth rate in plants. Chromium (VI) does not breakdown or degrade easily and there is a high potential for accumulation of chromium (VI) in fish life.
Entering the environment
Chromium (VI) released into the atmosphere is carried in the air as particles or dust for a period of time. As it settles it will contaminate soil and water with only small amounts dissolving. Rain will remove chromium (VI) particles from the atmosphere, depositing them in the ground, or they may be transported over long distances by wind.
Where it ends up
Chromium (VI) is released into the air, soil and water during the manufacture and disposal of products and chemicals containing chromium (VI) or the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil or gas). Airborne chromium (VI) particles will settle in less than 10 days, depending on particle size, and will stick strongly to soil particles. Small amounts may travel from the soil to groundwater. Chromium (VI) in water will stick to dirt particles that fall to the bottom with only a small amount dissolving.
Environmental guidelines
Australian Water Quality Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Waters (ANZECC, 1992):
Maximum concentration in fresh water: 0.01 mg/L (i.e. 0.00001 g/L);
Maximum concentration in marine water: 0.05 mg/L (i.e. 0.00005 g/L).
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