Chemical forms of chromium in natural water

The interaction of chromium (III) with humic substances obtained from pond sediment was experimentally studied using electrophoresis combined with ultrafiltration. The results show that within the neutral pH range chromium (III) in the presence of humic substances and some organic acids forms uncharged and/or negatively charged organic complexes of various molecular weights. A part of the chromium(III)-humic or -fulvic acid complexes having a negative charge was of lower molecular weight. Chromium (III) spiked in fresh water exists as various soluble anionic and/or uncharged species, and the molecular weights of these anionic complexes correspond to those of chromium(III)-humic and -fulvic complexes. These complexes may remain as stable dissolved forms for 10 days. The significance of the occurrence of chromium(III)-organic complexes in natural water in the geochemical cycle of chromium in the hydrosphere is discussed.