Modifications to EPA Method 3060A to Improve Extraction of Cr(VI) from Chromium Ore Processing Residue-Contaminated Soils

Environmental Science & Technology
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Abstract

It has been shown that EPA Method 3060A does not adequately extract Cr(VI) from chromium ore processing residue (COPR). We modified various parameters of EPA 3060A toward understanding the transformation of COPR minerals in the alkaline extraction and improving extraction of Cr(VI) from NIST SRM 2701, a standard COPR-contaminated soil. Aluminum and Si were the major elements dissolved from NIST 2701, and their concentrations in solution were correlated with Cr(VI). The extraction fluid leached additional Al and Si from the method-prescribed borosilicate glass vessels which appeared to suppress the release of Cr(VI). Use of polytetrafluoroethylene vessels and intensive grinding of NIST 2701 increased the amount of Cr(VI) extracted. These modifications, combined with an increased extraction fluid to sample ratio of ≥900 mL g–1 and 48-h extraction time resulted in a maximum release of 1274 ± 7 mg kg–1 Cr(VI). This is greater than the NIST 2701 certified value of 551 ± 35 mg kg–1 but less than 3050 mg kg–1 Cr(VI) previously estimated by X-ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy. Some of the increased Cr(VI) may have resulted from oxidation of Cr(III) released from brownmillerite which rapidly transformed during the extractions. Layered-double hydroxides remained stable during extractions and represent a potential residence for unextracted Cr(VI).

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Modifications to EPA Method 3060A to Improve Extraction of Cr(VI) from Chromium Ore Processing Residue-Contaminated Soils
Series title Environmental Science & Technology
DOI 10.1021/acs.est.7b01719
Volume 51
Issue 19
Year Published 2017
Language English
Publisher American Chemical Society
Contributing office(s) Crustal Geophysics and Geochemistry Science Center
Description 9 p.
First page 11235
Last page 11243
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