Enviromental Effects of Chromium

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The toxicological effects of both chromium and copper sulfate should be well highlighted in your report.
<br><br>For chromium: Source: EPA
<br><br>Chromium in its hexavalent oxidation state is identified by the U.S. EPA as one of the seventeen "high-priority" toxic chemicals that can cause several human health problems. Hexavalent chromium (chromium VI) is found in ammonium dichromate, chromic acid, sodium dichromate, sodium chromate and potassium dichromate. Symptoms of acute dermal exposure to chromium VI include irritated skin and mucous membranes. Ingestion can cause serious injury or death. Chronic exposure by inhalation can produce deep perforating nasal ulcers known as chrome holes. Chromium VI has been found to be mutagenic as well as carcinogenic in animal studies and is a Classification A human carcinogen.
<br><br>All chromium compounds are considered hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) under the broad generic listing for chromium and compounds. The EPA specifies that chromium in drinking water from public water systems must be limited to a maximum contaminant level of 0.05 milligram per liter,
<br><br>Although it does not bioaccumulate, it is soluble in cold water, such as in the setting of your research (the dugouts being covered in ice).
<br><br>Chromium in the aquatic phase occurs in the soluble state or as suspended solids. Soluble chromium (VI) may persist in some bodies of water for a long time, but will eventually be reduced to chromium (III) by organic matters or other reducing agents in water (Cary 1982; EPA 1984a). The residence times of chromium (total) in lake water range from 4.6 to 18 years (Schmidt and Andren 1984).
<br><br><br>Analysis: Since there was a possiblility of surface run-offs from the 120Km road to the side ditch and eventually to the dug-outs, the sodium dichromate in the road ...