Chromium geochemistry of serpentinous sediment in the Willow core, Santa Clara County, California
Open-File Report
2003-251
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Abstract
A preliminary investigation of Cr geochemistry in serpentinous sediment completed for a multiple-aquifer ground-water monitoring well (Willow core of Santa Clara County, CA) determined sediment at depths >225 meters contains Cr concentrations ranging from 195 to 1155 mg/kg. Serpentinous sediment from this site is a potential source of non-anthropogenic Cr contamination. Chromium-bearing minerals such as Cr-spinel appear to be the main source of Cr in the sediment; however, Cr-bearing silicates and clay minerals are additional Cr sources. Aqueous Cr concentrations in the sediment are <4.6 mg/L; however, the valence of Cr was not identified in the solutions or in the sediment. Although there is no indication of Cr(VI) contamination derived from the serpentinous sediment, elevated Cr concentrations in the sediment, the observed ‘dissolution’ textures of the Cr-bearing minerals, the estimated redox environment, and water chemistry indicate the formation of Cr(VI) is potentially favorable.
Suggested Citation
Oze, C.J., LaForce, M.J., Wentworth, C.M., Hanson, R.T., Bird, D.K., and Coleman, R.G., 2003, Chromium geochemistry of serpentinous sediment in the Willow core, Santa Clara County, California: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2003-251, 10 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr03251.
ISSN: 2331-1258 (online)
Study Area
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Title | Chromium geochemistry of serpentinous sediment in the Willow core, Santa Clara County, California |
| Series title | Open-File Report |
| Series number | 2003-251 |
| DOI | 10.3133/ofr03251 |
| Year Published | 2003 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | U.S. Geological Survey |
| Publisher location | Reston, VA |
| Contributing office(s) | California Water Science Center, Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center |
| Description | 10 p. |
| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Santa Clara County |