Effects of Storage Conditions on Chromium (III) and Chromium (VI) in Two Types of Potable Water
Publication: Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 139, Issue 2
Abstract
The effects of temperature, light exposure, and pH on the interconversion of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) in two chlorinated drinking water samples (groundwater and surface water) over a 28-day period were investigated. Six conditions were tested including exposure to a grow lamp (29°C), overhead fluorescent light (20°C), no light (20°C), incandescent light (10°C), no light (4°C), and no light (). Each condition was tested at pH 7 and 9. No clear interconversion of Cr(VI) and Cr(III) was observed in either the groundwater or surface water under any of the storage conditions except for the surface water samples adjusted to pH 9. These samples provided firm evidence for the conversion of Cr(III) to Cr(VI) at temperatures of 29 and 10°C, with an increase in Cr(VI) concentration from an initial value of 2 ppb () to a final value of 10 ppb over 28 days. Further research into whether conversion occurs at low temperatures is recommended to determine whether a hold time of 30 days (used in a standard method) is appropriate.
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Acknowledgments
This research was supported under Contract 06-55254 from the California Department of Public Health Safe Drinking Water Revolving Fund. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the above-named organization.
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© 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers.
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Received: Mar 25, 2012
Accepted: Aug 6, 2012
Published online: Aug 17, 2012
Published in print: Feb 1, 2013
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