Publication Abstract

Chromium speciation in natural waters draining contaminated land, Glasgow, UK

C. Whalley, A. Hursthouse, S. Rowlatt, P. Iqbal-Zahid, H. Vaughan and R.D. Durant

Historically, waste from chromium processing has been dumped at a number of sites in Glasgow. Leachate from these sites has now been implicated in chromium contamination of both groundwaters and stream waters in the area. In this study, chromium speciation has been measured in ground-, stream-, river- and pore waters, in an attempt to assess the extent of contamination and the associated potential hazard. Speciation is important, since the trivalent species of chromium is an essential form of the element, while Cr (VI) is a possible carcinogen. Total sediment-chromium concentrations in the River Clyde have also been measured, to show the significance of local concentrations relative to those elsewhere in the catchment. The results show that high concentrations of the harmful Cr (VI) are found in groundwaters and streamwaters in the area immediately surrounding the contaminated sites. There is also evidence to suggest that this has had an impact upon the nearby River Clyde, with locally very high sediment chromium concentrations. However, these concentrations do rapidly decrease away from the chromium-contaminated south eastern side of the city. Data from porewaters seem to suggest that the reduction of Cr (VI) does occur naturally in the sediment, providing an opportunity for amelioration over the long term.

Reference:

C. Whalley, A. Hursthouse, S. Rowlatt, P. Iqbal-Zahid, H. Vaughan and R.D. Durant, 1999. Chromium speciation in natural waters draining contaminated land, Glasgow, UK. Water, Air and Soil Pollution, 112: 389-405