Treatment of Chromium Contamination in the Environment

Chromium exits in the environment in trivalent Cr(III) and hexavalent Cr(VI) oxidation states. Cr(VI) is approximately 10 to 100 times more toxic than Cr (III) because its oxidising potential is high and it easily penetrates biological membranes. In addition, Cr(VI) leads to liver damage, pulmonary congestion and causes skin irritation resulting in ulcer formation. Furthermore, a high Cr(VI) concentration is related to abnormal enzyme activities, altered blood chemistry, lowered resistance to pathogenic organisms, behavioural modifications, disrupted feeding, histopathology and hormo-regularatory upset. This book provides information regarding the treatment of Chromium contamination in our present environment.