Chromium Pollution in European Water, Sources, Health Risk, and Remediation Strategies: An Overview

Marina Tumolo, Valeria Ancona, Domenico De Paola, Daniela Losacco, Claudia Campanale, Carmine Massarelli and Vito Felice Uricchio
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Marina Tumolo: Water Research, Institute-Italian National Research Council (IRSA-CNR), 70132 Bari, Italy
Valeria Ancona: Water Research, Institute-Italian National Research Council (IRSA-CNR), 70132 Bari, Italy
Domenico De Paola: Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources, Italian National Research Council (IBBR-CNR), 70126 Bari, Italy
Daniela Losacco: Water Research, Institute-Italian National Research Council (IRSA-CNR), 70132 Bari, Italy
Claudia Campanale: Water Research, Institute-Italian National Research Council (IRSA-CNR), 70132 Bari, Italy
Carmine Massarelli: Water Research, Institute-Italian National Research Council (IRSA-CNR), 70132 Bari, Italy
Vito Felice Uricchio: Water Research, Institute-Italian National Research Council (IRSA-CNR), 70132 Bari, Italy

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 15, 1-25

Abstract: Chromium is a potentially toxic metal occurring in water and groundwater as a result of natural and anthropogenic sources. Microbial interaction with mafic and ultramafic rocks together with geogenic processes release Cr (VI) in natural environment by chromite oxidation. Moreover, Cr (VI) pollution is largely related to several Cr (VI) industrial applications in the field of energy production, manufacturing of metals and chemicals, and subsequent waste and wastewater management. Chromium discharge in European Union (EU) waters is subjected to nationwide recommendations, which vary depending on the type of industry and receiving water body. Once in water, chromium mainly occurs in two oxidation states Cr (III) and Cr (VI) and related ion forms depending on pH values, redox potential, and presence of natural reducing agents. Public concerns with chromium are primarily related to hexavalent compounds owing to their toxic effects on humans, animals, plants, and microorganisms. Risks for human health range from skin irritation to DNA damages and cancer development, depending on dose, exposure level, and duration. Remediation strategies commonly used for Cr (VI) removal include physico-chemical and biological methods. This work critically presents their advantages and disadvantages, suggesting a site-specific and accurate evaluation for choosing the best available recovering technology.

Keywords: chromium; pollution; health risk; remediation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (7)

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