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The element chromium, which is widely distributed in the Earth’s crust and is essential for many industrial uses because of its unique physicochemical characteristics, poses serious threats to ecosystems and human health because of its poisonous hexavalent form (Cr(VI)). This chapter describes both natural and man-made sources of chromium in the environment, as well as its origins and modes of diffusion. As a result of geological processes such as weathering, volcanic activity, and leaching, chromium is released from natural sources, primarily ultramafic and mafic rocks, including chromite (FeCr2O4). Soil concentrations often range from 10 to 150 mg kg–1, and they are higher in soils produced from serpentines. Chromium levels in the environment are greatly increased by human activities such as chromite mining, leather tanning, electroplating, and combustion processes; industrial effluents frequently contain more than 100 mg L–1 of Cr(VI]). Dispersion occurs in terrestrial, marine, and atmospheric systems due to intricate physical, chemical, and biological processes. Wet/dry deposition and particulate matter (PM2.5) are the means of atmospheric transport, whereas the solubility and redox dynamics of Cr(VI) influence aquatic dispersion. In soils, microbial reactions, adsorption, and desorption all affect chromium mobility. This chapter summarizes recent research aimed at elucidating these mechanisms, using examples such as the Sukinda Valley in India, where groundwater Cr(VI) concentrations exceed 1 mg/L–. The environmental effects of Cr(VI), a Group 1 carcinogen, include toxicity to aquatic life and soil microbial ecosystems. Regulations and mitigation strategies, including chemical reduction, bioremediation, and phytoremediation, are evaluated together. Advanced speciation techniques and remediation based on nanotechnology are proposed as future research goals to fill in knowledge gaps. This analysis highlights the necessity of multidisciplinary approaches to reduce chromium contamination, safeguarding public health and ecosystems.

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Source and Dispersion of Chromium in the Environment

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年

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  • Varun Dhiman

摘要

The element chromium, which is widely distributed in the Earth’s crust and is essential for many industrial uses because of its unique physicochemical characteristics, poses serious threats to ecosystems and human health because of its poisonous hexavalent form (Cr(VI)). This chapter describes both natural and man-made sources of chromium in the environment, as well as its origins and modes of diffusion. As a result of geological processes such as weathering, volcanic activity, and leaching, chromium is released from natural sources, primarily ultramafic and mafic rocks, including chromite (FeCr2O4). Soil concentrations often range from 10 to 150 mg kg–1, and they are higher in soils produced from serpentines. Chromium levels in the environment are greatly increased by human activities such as chromite mining, leather tanning, electroplating, and combustion processes; industrial effluents frequently contain more than 100 mg L–1 of Cr(VI]). Dispersion occurs in terrestrial, marine, and atmospheric systems due to intricate physical, chemical, and biological processes. Wet/dry deposition and particulate matter (PM2.5) are the means of atmospheric transport, whereas the solubility and redox dynamics of Cr(VI) influence aquatic dispersion. In soils, microbial reactions, adsorption, and desorption all affect chromium mobility. This chapter summarizes recent research aimed at elucidating these mechanisms, using examples such as the Sukinda Valley in India, where groundwater Cr(VI) concentrations exceed 1 mg/L–. The environmental effects of Cr(VI), a Group 1 carcinogen, include toxicity to aquatic life and soil microbial ecosystems. Regulations and mitigation strategies, including chemical reduction, bioremediation, and phytoremediation, are evaluated together. Advanced speciation techniques and remediation based on nanotechnology are proposed as future research goals to fill in knowledge gaps. This analysis highlights the necessity of multidisciplinary approaches to reduce chromium contamination, safeguarding public health and ecosystems.