Quantification of Chromium (III) and Chromium (VI) in the Electroplating Effluents of Homicho Ammunition Engineering Industry

Abstract

Chromium is widely used for plating of the surface of ferrous materials to protect from rust as well as increasing strength. The industrial effluents of wastewater from metal plating workshops into the environment have produced huge and complex wastes which far exceed the assimilative capacity of nature and lead to an irreversible health and ecological consequences. So, the study was aimed to quantify chromium (III) and chromium (VI) in the electroplating effluents of Homicho Ammunition Engineering Industry. Wastewater samples were collected during the five working days (Monday to Friday). Chemical analysis and metal concentrations were determined using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer and titration. The average results obtained were: Cr+6 (3.904 ± 0.016 mg/L), Cr+3 (1.112 ± 0.023 mg/L), total Cr (5.38 ± 0.415 mg/L. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found among the wastewater analyzed. The amount of chromium (VI), chromium (III), and total chromium were above the permissible level that is not allowed to the natural water. However, a reduction of substances hazardous to environment has been demanded socially, economically as well as politically. Following the high toxicity of chromium (VI), substitution with environmental friendly chemicals such as chromium (III) and restriction of the use chromium (VI) and follow up should be implemented by Environmental protection authority at national level.
Keywords: Chromium (III), Chromium (VI), Wastewater effluent