The effect of organic matter and colloidal particles on the determination of chromium(VI) in natural waters

The chromium(VI) contents of two water samples, a river water and a sea-water, were determined by means of solvent extraction with APDC (ammonium pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate) into chloroform and by co-precipitation with iron(III) hydroxide. The analytical results depended on the separation method used, possibly because of differences in the behaviour of the chemical species of chromium in natural waters. Various chromium species, including simple inorganic ions, organic complexes, Cr(III) adsorbed on inorganic colloids and Cr(III) combined with organic polymers, were prepared, and their analytical characteristics were investigated.