Different chromium species in sea water

Cr(III) forms an electrochemically active complex with diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), so does Cr(VI) after in situ reduction on the surface of the HMDE. Depending on the sample preparation procedure and the waiting time after the addition of the complexing agent, the different chromium species can be differentiated:

• Total active chromium [total concentration of Cr(VI) and free Cr(III)]:The measurement is carried out immediately after the addition of DTPA.
• Cr(VI): Between the addition of DTPA and the start of the analysis a minimum waiting time of 30 min is necessary. During this waiting time the Cr(III)-DTPA complex becomes electrochemically inactive.
• Cr(III): The difference between the total active Cr and Cr(VI).
• Total chromium: Determination of total active Cr after UV digestion.

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