Monitoring the rate of chromium contamination using isotope analysis

The movement and environmental toxicity of Chromium contamination would be extensively determined by its chemical form and Cr(VI), which is mobile and suspected carcinogen and may convert to Cr(III), which is less mobile and less toxic, when there is sufficient rates of natural reduction, the 'monitored natural attenuation' approach would be expected. Ellis et al now reported that the 53Cr/52Cr ratio changes during reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III), shift of isotope ratio is associated extent of reducing process whit Reyleigh formula, therefore tracking 53Cr in Cr(VI) may monitor the fate of chromium contamination. In the paper, the background of theory, sampling and test examples on the topic are clarified. (authors)