USGS Develops New Field Method for Detecting Chromium VI in Ground Water

USGS scientists collecting and processing ground water samples for Cr(VI) analysis at Edwards Air Force Base, California Click on image for larger version

The USGS has developed a new field method for collecting and stabilizing ground-water samples for the analysis of toxic chromium VI (Cr(VI)). The new method enables scientists and resource managers to distinguish—cost effectively—between the toxic and carcinogenic form of chromium (Cr(VI)) and the more benign form, chromium III (Cr(III)). The method overcomes several obstacles for accurately determining the concentration of Cr(VI) in water. Past methods were not very accurate, the instability of Cr(VI) was problematic, and expensive, specialized laboratory equipment was required for the analysis. In contrast, the advantages of the new method are:

• its low detection limit—0.1 microgram per liter (µg/L);
• the small, disposable cation-exchange cartridges that allow Cr(VI) to be separated and stabilized in the field for later analysis; and
• the use of common laboratory equipment that reduces the analytical cost.

The results of the new field method compare well with standard laboratory-based methods.

USGS mobile laboratory truck on site at Edwards Air Force Base, California Click on image for larger version

The new method has been used to characterize chromium-contaminated ground water beneath the Mojave Desert, California, at 29 Palms Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Edwards Air Force Base, and at the Sheep Creek Fan west of Victorville, California. The study found areas with high concentrations of Cr(VI) from natural sources, in addition to Cr(VI) contamination from industrial activities. The natural Cr(VI) is caused by the weathering of dark rocks, such as basalt and amphibolite, in alluvial deposits (sediments deposited by rivers and streams). In addition to distinguishing between the kinds of chromium, knowing the source of Cr(VI) is important to those tasked with cleaning up contamination and protecting drinking water resources. Resource managers can now consider sources of Cr(VI) when determining the responsibility for cleanup, the levels of cleanup required to reach background concentrations, and the regulatory structure for dealing with the contamination.

Click on image for larger version

More Information

• A New Cation-Exchange Method for Field Speciation of Hexavalent Chromium: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet-006-03
• Hexavalent Chromium in Ground Water, Mojave Desert, CA
• Sheep Creek Fan Chromium Isotopes, Project Description
• Hexavalent Chromium Field Speciation Method Photo Gallery

References

• Ball, J.W., and Izbicki, J.A., 2004, Occurrence of hexavalent chromium in ground water in the western Mojave Desert , California: Applied Geochemistry, v. 19, p. 1123-1135.
• Ball, J.W., and McCleskey, R.B., 2003, A new cation-exchange method for accurate field speciation of hexavalent chromium: Water-Resources Investigations Report 03-4018, 17 p.
• Ball, J.W., Izbicki, J.A., and Bullen, T.D., 2003, "Stable isotope variations of hexavalent chromium in ground water in the western part of the Mojave Desert, California, USA": Fifth Conference on Applied Isotope Geochemistry, Heron Island, Australia, May 26-30.
• Ball, J.W., and McCleskey, R.B., 2003, A New Cation-Exchange Method for Accurate Field Speciation of Hexavalent Chromium: Talanta, v. 61, p. 305-313.

USGS scientist working in the USGS's mobile laboratory truck at Edwards Air Force Base, California Click on image for larger version

Information on Chromium

• Consumer Factsheet on Chromium, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
• Chromium (VI) (CASRN 18540-29-9), Integrated Risk Information System, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
• Toxicological Profile for Chromium, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
• Chromium Statistics and Information, USGS Minerals Information
• Chromium Isotope Information, Periodic Table, USGS

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