Determination of dissolved hexavalent chromium in industrial wastewater effluents by ion chromatography and post-column derivatization with diphenylcarbazide

A proposed EPA method for the determination of dissolved hexavalent chromium in drinking water, groundwater and industrial wastewater effluents was developed using existing ion chromatographic techniques. Two solid waste matrices were briefly investigated. Aqueous samples were passed through a 0.45-micron filter and the filtrate was either (1) left unadjusted, (2) adjusted to pH 8 or (3) adjusted to pH 10 prior to analysis by ion chromatography. The method detection limits were 0.3-0.4 micrograms/l. When analyzed within 24 h, the two pH levels and the unadjusted sample yielded ca. 100% recovery of spikes. No oxidation of trivalent chromium to hexavalent chromium was observed at pH 7, 8 or 10 when aqueous samples were spiked with 50 mg/l Cr(III).