Introduction

Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) compounds are referred as large group of chemicals with
varying properties, uses, and workplace exposures. Hexavalent chromium is unfavourable to
the eyes, skin, and respiratory system and being considered as occupational carcinogens by
NIOSH. The exposure to hexavalent chromium is likely to cause harm to the workers. The
proportion of exposure depends upon the dose, duration, and work being done. Many
industries use hexavalent chromium such as electroplating, welding, and chromate painting.
(The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH))

Chromium is a naturally-occurring element found in rocks, animals, plants, and soil. It can be
found in many consumer products such as wood treated with copper dichromate, leather
tanned with chromic sulphate, and stainless steel cookware as it widely used in
manufacturing processes. Throughout the manufacturing process, discharge of chromium-
based products, use and after release from the manufacture, chromium can be found in air,
soil, and water. Chromium (VI) compounds are more toxic and poisonous compared to
chromium (III) compounds. Health effect arise from exposure to chromium is respiratory tract
which involves irritation of the lining of the nose, runny nose, and breathing problems such
as asthma, cough, shortness of breath, wheezing. (United States Environmental Protection
Agency)

In this experiment, we had to study whether the water sample is suitable for drinking or
agricultural process by determining the concentration of chromium (VI) via absorption
spectroscopy. The analysis of absorption and emission of light and other radiation on the
wavelength by matter is referred as spectroscopy. It also can be define as the interactions
between particles such as electrons, protons, and ions, as well as their interaction with other
particles as a function of their collision energy. Quantum mechanics, the special and general
theories of relativity, and quantum electrodynamics are the basic theories in physics that are
required spectroscopic analysis. Spectroscopy act as a key tool in developing scientific
interpretation involving electromagnetic force as well as strong and weak nuclear forces, as
applied to high-energy collisions. (BRITANNICA)

Human carcinogen is commonly from exposures of hexavalent chromium (Cr (VI)) had been
occurred in both occupational and environmental settings. Exposure to Cr(VI) in
occupational setting take place in chromate manufacturing, chrome plating, ferrochrome
production, and stainless steel welding. People consuming Cr contaminated water and living
within close range toxic sites and chemicals manufacturers may be impacted by the
environmental exposure. High number of cases of lung cancer due to occupational exposure
to Cr(VI) have been reported based on Epidemiological risk-assessment evaluation.
(AdrianaArita, 2011)
Theory
Chromium occurs naturally as a micro component of most crude oils, and the concentrations
of chromium found in residual and distillate oils have been measured. Chromium is emitted
in the trivalent state from oil combustion, sewer sludge incineration, cement production,
municipal waste incinerators, and refractories which is indicated from accessible data.
Chromium is widely being used in many industries such as corrosion resistance, steel
production, and as protective coating for automotive and equipment accessories. It has the
right qualities for paints, rubber, and plastic products as it is a permanent and stable
inorganic pigment. Air Resources Board (ARB) states that chromium has also been detected
but not quantified in motor vehicle exhaust.(scorecard)

Chromium enters the environment via natural processes and human activities. Leather,
textile, and steel manufacturing are the causes of the rise of the amount chromium (III) in the
air. Chromium (VI) enters the environment through similar channel as chromium (III) but also
due to industrial applications such as electro painting and chemical manufacturing. Seepage
from chromate mines or improper disposal of mining tools and supplies, and inappropriate
disposal of industrial manufacturing equipment may cause groundwater contamination.
(Sneddon)

The common source of chromium contamination in natural waters is from automobiles

industries as it is contain a component in various automobile brakes as well as parts of
engine. Brake dusts and exhaust of automobile engine can adversely spread into any water
streams nearby through flowing rainwater which was originally deposited from chromium on
highroads. The most susceptible areas that have been identified to be contaminated by such
chromium are lakes and water streams which are nearer a typical congested with
automobiles areas. Federal environmental agencies are doing experimentation to discover
its presence in many environmental samples due to its cancer-risk character and toxicity
even at mere concentrations.(Syahiirah, 2017)

Thus, in order to detect low level concentrations of Chromium (VI) in a tap water sample,
absorption spectroscopy will be used. Based on theory, coloured aqueous solutions contain
chemical species contents which absorb significant wavelengths of light. Heavy metals can
be identified via absorption of wavelengths of light too. In addition, the amount of light
absorbed is linearly proportional to the concentration of the solution metal ions. Other than
works as an analytical chemistry tool that can determine if a particular substance is present
in a sample, the application of absorption spectroscopy also quantify how much of the
substance is present. The common in type of analytical applications are Infrared and
ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. (Ibsen Photonics).
In this experiment, standard solutions will be prepared by diluting 300 parts per million
(ppm) of Chromium (VI) standard solution. Five standard solutions need to be prepared from
the concentrated Chromium (VI) standard solution. To calculate the dilute solutions volume,
the solution dilution formula can be used, as what is written below:

(𝑀1) (𝑉1) = (𝑀2) (𝑉2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1)

Where:
M1: concentration of given Chromium (IV) stock solution = 300ppm
V1: Volume of Chromium (IV) solution required to perform dilution
M2: Concentration of Chromium (IV) solution after dilution
V2: Volume of Chromium (IV) solution after dilution

Quantitative analysis using spectrophotometer is based on Beer-Lambert Law:

𝐴 = ɛ𝐿𝐶

Where:
A: absorbance value (dimensionless, thus no units is represented)
ɛ: molar absorbance (L / mol.cm)
L: path length of the cuvette in which the sample is contained (cm)
C: concentration of the compound in solution (mol / L)

Quantitative analysis using spectroscopy is based on Beer-Lambert Law. Beer-lambert Law

states that absorbance value depends on total quantity of the absorbing compound in the
light path through the cuvette. Thus, if we plot a graph of absorbance versus concentration
of the compound solution, we get a straight line passing through the origin. A compound with
high molar absorbance is very effective at absorbing light. Hence, low concentrations of a
compound and high molar absorbance can be easily detected by the spectroscopy.
(Ngagiman, 2012)
Apparatus

1. Spectrometer.
2. 10 mL of cuvette.
3. Pipette.
4. Dropper.
5. Measuring cylinder.
6. 50 mL volumetric flask.
7. Beaker
8. Distilled water.
9. Stock solution of chromium (VI) solution (300ppm)
10. 5 set of diluted chromium (VI) solutions which are 15 ppm, 30 ppm, 60 ppm, 68
ppm and 90 ppm.
11. Tap water sample.
Reference

AdrianaArita, M. (2011). Chapter 28 - Environmental Agents and Epigenetics. In Handbook

of Epigenetics (pp. 459-476).

BRITANNICA. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/:

https://www.britannica.com/science/spectroscopy

Ibsen Photonics. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://ibsen.com/:

https://ibsen.com/applications/spectroscopy/absorption-spectroscopy/

Ngagiman, C. T. (2012, October 17). Scribd . Retrieved from https://www.scribd.com/:

https://www.scribd.com/doc/110293635/determination-of-concentration-of-chromium

scorecard. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://scorecard.goodguide.com:

http://scorecard.goodguide.com/chemical-profiles/html/chromium.html

Sneddon, C. (n.d.). Geology and Human Health. Retrieved from serc.carleton.edu:

https://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/health/case_studies/chromium.html

Syahiirah, N. (2017, October 27). Academia. Retrieved from www.academia.edu:

https://www.academia.edu/35379131/CHE485_-
_Lab_Report_on_Determination_Of_Cr_VI_Conc_Via_Absorption_Spectroscopy_20
17_

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/hexchrom/default.html

United States Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Retrieved from www3.epa.gov:

https://www3.epa.gov/region1/eco/uep/chromium6.html
Appendix

The prepared standard Chromium (VI) solutions inside 10mL volumetric flasks

Spectrophotometer used in The Experiment

Fume Cupboard used to reduce the interaction of the Chromium (VI) solutions
interaction with air